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Pressure is on us: Human

Johannesburg - Pote Human believes Griquas' Currie Cup promotion/relegation clash against the Pumas on Friday could be the most important game his players will ever play.

The first of two games to decide next year's sixth contender in the premier league of the competition will be vital for Human's side, as a victory at home could make it much easier for the Kimberley side next week in Nelspruit.

"This is surely our most important game of the season, if not the last couple of years," Human said ahead of the game.

"We simply cannot afford a loss at our home ground to the Pumas. That will put us in a very difficult situation that we really don't want to be in.

"To beat the Pumas in Nelspruit will be a huge ask. Therefore we need to produce the goods on Friday."

Griquas are under pressure to perform at home, having struggled to do so throughout this year's Currie Cup competition.

Their only success was against the Sharks in the first round of the group stages.

Since that victory, Human has been left frustrated, as his team did not manage a single win for the rest of the tournament, both home and away.

"We haven't had the best season, while the Pumas are having one of their best," Human said.

"So the pressure is on us. The guys have been focused the whole week and we are positive that they will do their best on the day."

In contrast, the Pumas are on an unbeaten run of 16 games and head into the promotion matches confident of their chances.

"The games against Griquas will be even tougher than the final of the First Division was against the EP Kings," Pumas boss Jimmy Stonehouse said.

"We've come to know Griquas as a very physical side and we expect as much in Kimberley. They also have a very strong scrum and we have put in hard yards to challenge them there."

While the match-up between Griquas Springbok winger Willie le Roux and the Pumas flyer Rosco Speckman will be closely watched, the biggest battle is expected in the scrums.

Griquas' front row of Steph Roberts, Ryno Barnes and Lourens Adriaanse will be out to dominate the Pumas' Corne Fourie, Frank Herne and Ivann Espag.

Another big tussle will be in midfield, where former Griquas players Stefan Watermeyer and Wilmaure Louw will want to get the Pumas on the front foot with their sniping runs.

Griquas' centre paring of Jean Stemmet and impressive youngster Howard Mnisi should, however, pose a formidable threat to the visitors' chances.

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