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Griquas Retain Currie Cup With 23-16 Win Over Pumas

Superior set-piece execution plus clinical goal-kicking, capped by George Whitehead’s 150th match and a late Janco Uys maul try, secured back-to-back titles for Griquas.

Gallo Images
Gallo Images
Image
KIMBERLEY, SOUTH AFRICA - SEPTEMBER 12: George Whitehead of the Suzuki Griquas playing his 150th cap during the Carling Currie Cup, Premier Division Final match between Suzuki Griquas and Airlink Pumas at Suzuki Stadium on September 12, 2026 in Kimberley, South Africa. (Photo by Gallo Images)

Overview

  • Griquas beat the Airlink Pumas 23-16 in Kimberley on Saturday after replacement hooker Janco Uys powered over from a lineout maul five minutes from time to give the home side the decisive lead.
  • Flyhalf George Whitehead was named Man of the Match in his 150th appearance for Griquas as he kicked two conversions and three penalties that kept the scoreboard moving at key moments.
  • The final was decided in tight set-piece and kicking contests, with Griquas using a dominant lineout and driving maul to create scoring opportunities while the Pumas relied on physical pressure and late-game composure.
  • Coach Pieter Bergh credited squad continuity and a settled coaching group built over four years for the result as a near-capacity Suzuki Stadium crowd in Kimberley celebrated a home title defence.
  • The back-to-back win reinforces the Currie Cup’s value to smaller unions by delivering sponsorship, community engagement and a steady pathway for provincial players to reach higher levels of the game.