Griquas coach Bergh still plotting how to use Whitehead in Currie Cup final

Griquas coach Pieter Bergh is considering how to use influential pivot George Whitehead in the Currie Cup final against the Pumas.

Griquas hosts the men from Nelspruit in the first Currie Cup final between the two franchises at Griqua Park in Kimberley on Saturday (3pm).

The hosts are looking to win their first Currie Cup title in 52 years while the Pumas aim to win the tournament for the first time.

The experienced Whitehead came off the bench against the Bulls in the semifinal in Pretoria and steered Griquas to victory as he scored 18 of his side’s 30 points.

In the build-up to the semis, Bergh opted to start with Xander du Plessis at flyhalf as Whitehead, 33, plays off the bench.

“I didn’t think George had a good game the previous week [against the Pumas]. Xander was very good against the Cheetahs, and I thought it made sense to go back to Xander and Reynhardt [Jonker] at 10 and 12.

“That’s why we didn’t select a scrumhalf on the bench because George’s role was to win us the game at the end.”

Whitehead’s performance against the Bulls has, however, given Bergh something to think about heading into the final.

“He showed his experience, class and his passion for Griquas,” Bergh said. “He was under pressure as an individual against the Bulls in the group stages. We replaced him at half time and we did that as well against the Pumas in Nelspruit. I took him off at half-time and he handled that brilliantly.

“I’m very happy for George and we will see with injuries and how we want to play if he will play off the bench again or will have a start.”

Griquas struggled to make it past the semifinals in recent years. Bergh believes his side has shown this year they have what it takes to win the knockouts as their three games to the final have been must-win fixtures.