Currie Cup-winning Griquas coach Pieter Bergh threatened to fine his players in the build-up to Saturday’s Ellis Park decider.
Griquas stunned the Lions 27-25 to claim their first Currie Cup title in 55 years, with veteran flyhalf George Whitehead slotting the winning penalty after the hooter.
Bergh said the team had refused to be intimidated by the perception that they were up against a Vodacom URC outfit.
“I walked into the team room on Monday and said if I hear the word URC out of your mouth, you’ll get a R500 fine,” Bergh said. “We’re not playing against a URC team, we’re playing against the Lions. They have 23 players and we have 23 players. The whole week the word URC didn’t come up once.”
REPORT: Ice-cold Whitehead wins it for Griquas
The coach added that he would not accept any attempt to downplay the achievement.
“We came here and beat a full-strength Lions team. There’s no asterisk behind the win.”
The final turned in the closing minutes when Lions lock Ruan Delport was penalised for a deliberate knockdown, giving Whitehead the chance to seal the Kimberley side’s historic triumph.
WHITEHEAD: Biggest win for me and Griquas
“I spotted the deliberate tackle immediately and luckily the TV referee picked it up too,” Bergh said. “It was emotional, and I don’t think you want anyone else in world rugby to take that penalty than George Whitehead.”
Photo: Christiaan Kotze/Gallo Images
