Griquas Clinch Currie Cup With Last-Minute Win Over Lions

The Suzuki Griquas stunned the Fidelity ADT Lions with a dramatic 27-25 victory in the 2024 Currie Cup final at Ellis Park, ending a 55-year drought to claim the title for the first time in the professional era. Flyhalf George Whitehead was the hero for Griquas, scoring 12 points and slotting a decisive last-minute penalty after the final whistle, following a TMO decision that penalized Lions lock Ruan Delport for a deliberate knockdown. The match was a rollercoaster, with Griquas opening the scoring early through fullback Cameron Hufke, while the Lions fought back with tries from players like Kelly Mpeku and Richard Kriel, leading 17-14 at halftime. The second half saw intense back-and-forth action, with Griquas’ flanker Lourens Oosthuizen and centre Mnombo Zwelendaba scoring crucial tries, and the Lions briefly leading 25-24 after a late penalty from replacement flyhalf Lubabalo Dobela. Despite the Lions' dominance in parts, including a strong set-piece performance and attempts to seal the win, Griquas held firm, with defensive efforts such as Dylan Maart's cover tackle preventing a late Lions try. The final moments were marked by tension and drama, culminating in Whitehead's nerve to convert the winning penalty and deliver a historic triumph for the underdog Griquas.