Victor Sekekete wary of Griquas unbeaten run ahead of crucial derby

The clash comes in the final leg of the round-robin stage with the Griquas already qualified for the semifinals, while the Cheetahs, who occupy third spot on the log with 30 points, have it all to do as Boland Kaviliers and SWD Eagles sit behind on 27 points each.

Speaking exclusively to SABC Sport, Sekekete says his side will have to take the game to the Griquas. 

"The fact that they are guaranteed a semifinal spot, they will want to come here and maintain their ways that they have been going about," said Sekekete.

"I don't think they'll come into this game with a lot of pressure, they'll come into the game wanting to focus on mainly what they want to do right.

"And I think for us, we also want to do that because we know that, obviously, they come into the fixture unbeaten so we know we have to bring the game to them and make it a good one in Bloemfontein."

READ: Pride at stake as Siya Kolisi wraps up Sharks contract

The 32-year-old lock who joined the Toyota Cheetahs from the Griquas in 2020 says he expects an intense running game against his former employer. 

"It's an advantage for me knowing how the Griquas are and how the derby between the two teams always is – we know it's always running rugby, physical and intense," he added.

"So I think this is why we play rugby, we play it for these kinds of moments and we play it for the excitement, passion, emotions, and every time we have this fixture, we know it's always a good game.

"We also know that we always play for pride, and that means it's always going to be a good contest up ahead."