Rugby fans are in for a treat as the Fidelity ADT Lions welcome Suzuki Griquas to Ellis Park for the 2025 Carling Currie Cup Premier Division Final. Kick-off is at 15h00 on Saturday, 20 September, with referee Christopher Allison in charge and the match broadcast live on SuperSport Rugby.
This is the second year in a row the Lions will host the showpiece event, and the Johannesburg side will be eager to end a decade-long title drought in front of their home fans.
How to Get There and Matchday Logistics
Tickets for the final are available through Ticketpro and are selling fast, with fans urged to book early to avoid disappointment. Gates at Ellis Park will open at 12:00, well before kick-off, to allow supporters to enjoy the vibrant pre-match atmosphere.
For stress-free travel, fans can make use of the Official Park & Ride SA service, which offers secure, undercover parking at Montecasino, East Rand Mall, and Clearwater Mall. Buses depart promptly at 12h00 and return from Ellis Park at 18h00. Each Park & Ride ticket covers return transport and parking, ensuring a hassle-free matchday.
Supporters driving to the stadium can also park at the Johannesburg Athletics Stadium, which offers free and secure parking with easy access to the venue.
Lions vs Griquas: Pre-Match Fan Activities
To build up to the action, fans can join a proper pre-game braai hosted near Ellis Park, where they can meet some of their favourite Lions players, enjoy great food, and win prizes courtesy of BRM. This fan zone opens several hours before kick-off, creating the perfect opportunity for a festive rugby day experience.
Form Guide and Season Story
The Lions topped the league phase with five wins from seven matches, showcasing their dominance with a 67-19 semi-final victory over the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers. Angelo Davids has been in red-hot form, scoring four tries last weekend to equal the season tally of Griquas’ speedster Gurshwin Wehr.
Griquas head into the final after grinding out a 25-5 win over the Toyota Cheetahs in Kimberley, proving their defensive grit and resilience. Flyhalf George Whitehead leads the competition’s point-scoring charts with 78 points and will be pivotal to their hopes of an upset.
The last time the teams met, the Lions were convincing 37-7 winners at Ellis Park, a psychological edge they will look to exploit, though Griquas will be desperate to flip the script and win their first Currie Cup title since 1970.
Teams and Key Players
- Fidelity ADT Lions Starting XV: Quan Horn (captain), Kelly Mpeku, Henco van Wyk, Richard Kriel, Angelo Davids, Chris Smith, Nico Steyn, WJ Steenkamp, Ruan Venter, Jarod Cairns, Ruan Delport, Dylan Sjoblom, Asenathi Ntlabakanye (vice-captain), Franco Marais, SJ Kotze.
- Suzuki Griquas Starting XV: Cameron Hufke, Dylan Maart, Zane Bester, Mnombo Zwelenedaba, Gurshwin Wehr, George Whitehead, Caleb Abrahams, Gustav Erlank, Carl Els, Lourens Oosthuizen, Albert Liebenberg, Derik Pretorius, Cebo Dlamini (captain), Janco Uys, Eddie Davids.
The battle between Ntlabakanye and Dlamini in the scrums will be crucial, while the duel between Davids and Wehr promises fireworks on the wings.
Match Rules if It’s a Draw
If the scores are tied after 80 minutes, the match will go to extra time, consisting of two 10-minute halves. Should the deadlock remain, the Lions will be crowned champions based on their first-place finish on the log.
Also read: Asenathi Ntlabakanye Returns for Lions After Drug Test Shock Ahead of Currie Cup Final
With tickets, travel, and fan activities sorted, all that’s left is for the players to deliver what promises to be a thrilling Currie Cup Final. Whether you’re at Ellis Park or watching live on TV, expect a hard-hitting battle between two in-form sides as the Lions look to roar at home and Griquas chase a historic upset.
