Rugby fans across South Africa are gearing up for an electrifying conclusion to the 2025 Currie Cup Premier Division as the Lions prepare to face Griquas at Ellis Park this Saturday.
Kick-off is set for 15:00, and both teams are hoping to leave their mark on the prestigious tournament.
Lions Aim to Exploit Home Advantage
For the second consecutive year, Johannesburg’s Ellis Park will host the Currie Cup final, giving the Lions the benefit of home-ground familiarity.
The Gautengers will look to leverage this advantage against a determined Griquas side from the Northern Cape.
Semi-Final Dominance Sets the Stage
Both finalists earned their spots with strong semi-final showings. The Lions finished the league phase at the top of the table, winning five of their seven matches.
They stormed past the Boland Kavaliers last weekend in a 67-19 semi-final rout, demonstrating their attacking firepower.
Griquas, finishing second in the league, also impressed in their semi-final with a solid 25-5 victory over the Cheetahs in Kimberley.
Earlier in the season, the Lions had already beaten Griquas 37-7 at Ellis Park, which may give them a psychological edge heading into the final.
For the visitors, that loss could serve as motivation to make history.
Recent Form and Key Players
Both sides head into the final with strong recent form.
The Lions’ only defeats this season came on the road against the Cheetahs and Boland, while Ellis Park has proven a fortress for the Highvelders.
Meanwhile, Griquas enjoyed five straight wins before their league-ending loss to the Lions, showcasing resilience and defensive strength.
Angelo Davids has been a standout for the Lions, scoring four tries in the semi-final to double his season tally.
For Griquas, flyhalf George Whitehead remains a key playmaker, topping the points charts with 78 points thanks to his consistent kicking and ability to set up dangerous runners.
History and Records Add Intrigue
Looking back, the Lions boast a storied Currie Cup record, having won the trophy 11 times and finishing as runners-up 13 times.
Their last victory came in 2015, during a period when they also featured in multiple Super Rugby finals.
Griquas, however, are chasing a long-awaited triumph.
Their last Currie Cup win was in 1970, and their only recent final appearance ended in a 2022 loss to the Pumas.
Saturday marks their second final in four years, and they are eager to break the 55-year drought.
Matchday Outlook and Rules
Expect a clash between two powerful forward packs and a backline capable of turning opportunities into tries.
In the event of a tie after 80 minutes, the game will move into extra time with two 10-minute halves.
If scores remain level, the team with the higher regular-season log position—currently the Lions—will be declared champions.
Team Line-Ups
Lions
15 Quan Horn (captain), 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Richard Kriel, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 WJ Steenkamp, 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Jarod Cairns, 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Dylan Sjoblom, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye (vice-captain), 2 Franco Marais, 1 SJ Kotze
Replacements: 16 Morné Brandon, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Darrien Landsberg, 20 Renzo du Plessis, 21 Haashim Pead, 22 Lubabalo Dobela, 23 Rynhardt Jonker
Griquas
15 Cameron Hufke, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Zane Bester, 12 Mnombo Zwelenedaba, 11 Gurshwin Wehr, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Caleb Abrahams, 8 Gustav Erlank, 7 Carl Els, 6 Lourens Oosthuizen, 5 Albert Liebenberg, 4 Derik Pretorius, 3 Cebo Dlamini (captain), 2 Janco Uys, 1 Eddie Davids
Replacements: 16 Tiaan Lange, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 IG Prinsloo, 19 Marco de Witt, 20 Phumzile Maqondwana, 21 Thomas Bursey, 22 Tom Nel, 23 Connor Mahoney
Match Information
-
Fixture: Lions vs Griquas
-
Date: Saturday, 20 September 2025
-
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
-
Kick-off: 15:00
-
Referee: Christopher Allison
Fans are in for a classic encounter as the Lions and Griquas battle for Currie Cup glory, with history, form, and star players all promising an unforgettable final.