Report by David van der Merwe
The Leopards welcomed Griquas to the student town of Potchefstroom for their game. Both teams having nothing to lose it promised to be an entertaining match. The lying last on the log and Griquas in 6th place and certain of a spot in next season's Currie Cup premiere division.The first half however saw one dimensional and unimaginative rugby played by both sides. The only glimmer of entertainment being Wesley Dunlop's try for the Leopards. Dunlop converted his own try and added a penalty to the penalty of Rudi Voigt to make the halftime score 10-3.
The second half turned out to be a lot better. Griquas decided that the kicking game was best left for the soccer field and started running the ball from all corners of the field. Sarel Pretorius, Griquas replacement scrumhalf on the night, showed why he has been head hunted by the Waratahs for next season's Super 15 competition. He came on and scored his try in the 45th minute. This was followed 2 minutes later by Rocco Jansen's try and shortly after by a Riaan Viljoen try. This put the visitors well in front. Wesley Dunlop kept the leopards in the game through a penalty and a drop goal. A 73rd minute try by Vainon Willis converted by clayton Durand for the Leopards meant that it was still anybody's game. A 76th minute try by Jonathan Mokuena followed 2 minutes later by a Jaco Nepgen try sealed it for the Griquas.
The Leopards will probably finish last on the log as they still have to play the Sharks and the Blue Bulls Griquas can still upset the apple cart if they beat the Blue Bulls next week at home and have a good game vs the Cheetahs the next week. Will there be another twist in the Currie Cup tale? Only time will tell.