There’s an unmistakable buzz in South African rugby this week as the Currie Cup final returns to Johannesburg, where the ADT Fidelity Lions are set to host the Suzuki Griquas at the iconic Ellis Park. This clash, scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2025, pits the tournament’s most URC-aligned powerhouse against a Griquas side brimming with grit, flair, and a touch of magic—qualities that have propelled them to the brink of their fourth Currie Cup title.
The path to the final has been anything but ordinary. The Lions, boasting a roster and playing style honed by their Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) alignment, stormed into the decider with a resounding 67-19 demolition of the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers. Fans at Emirates Airlines Park barely had time to settle in before the Lions began piling on the tries, showing off the synergy and sharpness that have made them favorites for the coveted golden trophy. As the home crowd erupted with each score, it became clear the Lions were determined to erase the heartbreak of last year, when a last-gasp penalty by the Sharks’ Jordan Hendrikse snatched victory from their grasp.
Meanwhile, the Griquas earned their spot in the final with a convincing 25-5 victory over the Toyota Cheetahs at Suzuki Park in Kimberley. The Peacock Blues outscored their neighbors three tries to one, with winger Dylan Maart stealing the show by crossing the whitewash twice. Lock Albert Liebenberg also got on the scoresheet, while George Whitehead contributed two conversions and two penalties. Though the scoreline suggested a comfortable win, the contest was far from a walkover, as the Cheetahs showed flashes of resistance—only to be undone by costly penalties and turnovers.
“There was a touch of magic in their backline, highlighted by the first try from lock Albert Liebenberg. Fullback Cameron Hufke dazzled with his footwork before the ball went wide to find Liebenberg in space to score,” one report noted, capturing the flair that has defined the Griquas’ campaign. Maart’s brace was equally eye-catching, with his first try capitalizing on a defensive miscue and his second demonstrating sheer athleticism in the corner after a powerful rolling maul. The Griquas’ physicality, particularly in defense, has been a cornerstone of their success, but they’ll need to sharpen their attack and address lineout inconsistencies if they hope to match the Lions’ firepower.
For the Lions, the final represents more than just a shot at silverware—it’s a chance to validate their approach to the Currie Cup. Unlike other URC-aligned teams such as the Sharks, Western Province, and Bulls, who used the competition primarily for player development, the Lions have gone all in for domestic glory. Their decision to prioritize the Currie Cup, even at the potential expense of their URC ambitions, seems to be paying off. “The Lions have had a URC look to them for a while, since before the other three mentioned teams started using the Currie Cup as a URC warmup, and as a result of that they have the synergy to their game you would anticipate,” as one analysis put it.
That synergy was on full display in the semi-final, where the Lions overwhelmed Boland with relentless attacking waves and airtight defense. Boland showed promise early on but struggled to contain the Lions’ onslaught, with the halftime score already out of reach. Every time Boland threatened a comeback, the Lions responded with another try, sending the Emirates Airlines Park faithful into early celebration mode. The comprehensive victory not only cemented the Lions’ status as favorites but also underscored their hunger for redemption after last year’s narrow defeat.
Yet, the Griquas are no strangers to overcoming the odds. Their journey to the final has been characterized by resilience and the emergence of young talents like Dylan Maart, whose semi-final heroics have drawn praise across the rugby landscape. “The Griquas wing Dylan Maart looks like he would not be out of place playing in the URC,” one commentator observed, highlighting the winger’s potential to make an impact at the next level. Maart wasn’t the only standout; Cheetahs’ Prince Nkimande also impressed, but it was Maart’s clinical finishing that tipped the scales for Griquas.
History adds another layer of intrigue to this matchup. The Griquas are chasing their fourth Currie Cup title, with their last triumph dating back to 1970 in Kimberley. Their first title, remarkably, was clinched before the outbreak of the Anglo-Boer War in 1899, underscoring the storied tradition of the Peacock Blues. For the Lions, the final is a chance to claim redemption on home soil, having hosted and lost last year’s domestic decider in dramatic fashion.
Team news could further shape the narrative. Lions fullback Quan Horn, fresh off a Man of the Match performance, is reportedly on the radar of Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus. With national team regular Aphelele Fassi sidelined due to injury, Horn could be called up to the Bok squad ahead of the final, potentially leaving the Lions without their star No. 15. “Horn of course was part of the Bok squad last year and Erasmus did mention a few weeks ago that he’d been intending giving him a chance again and then had to change his plans so it could be that the Lions will be without their No 15 in the final as Horn could well find himself at least in the national squad,” one report stated, fueling speculation and adding another twist to the build-up.
For both teams, preparation will be key. The Griquas have already faced the Lions recently and know the level of performance required to compete at Ellis Park. Their physicality can match the Lions, but they’ll need to capitalize on every opportunity and minimize costly errors, particularly in the set pieces. The Lions, for their part, will look to maintain their high standards and avoid complacency, knowing the Griquas are capable of springing a surprise.
As the countdown to Saturday’s final continues, anticipation is reaching fever pitch. The Carling Currie Cup has once again delivered drama, emerging stars, and the promise of a classic showdown between two teams with everything to play for. Fans across South Africa will be watching closely to see if the Lions can finally lift the trophy on home turf, or if the Griquas can write a new chapter in their rich rugby history.
One thing’s for sure: come Saturday, Ellis Park will be rocking as the Currie Cup’s finest go head-to-head for domestic supremacy. With so much at stake and so many storylines in play, this final is shaping up to be a memorable one for players and fans alike.
