Connor Mahoney delivered a performance for the ages as Griquas swept to Tbilisi Cup glory with an emphatic 48-15 demolition of Spain’s Iberians in Sunday’s final in Georgia. The 23-year-old crossed for four tries in a scintillating display that cemented the Currie Cup champions’ dominance of the Toyota Challenge campaign.
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Pieter Bergh’s side completed an unbeaten run through the tournament, making it six victories from six matches after also going through the Bloemfontein leg without tasting defeat. For a Griquas outfit that has rebuilt its reputation as South African rugby’s most exciting provincial side, the Tbilisi Cup represents another statement of intent.
But Sunday in Georgia belonged to one man. Connor Mahoney put on a finishing clinic that had the Georgian crowd on their feet and the Iberians chasing shadows.
Slow start, stunning finish
The Iberians had other ideas about how this final would unfold. Scrumhalf Estanislao Bay struck early to put the Spanish side ahead, silencing the travelling Griquas contingent and threatening an upset.
For 25 minutes, the Currie Cup champions struggled to impose themselves. The frustration was palpable. Then winger Tom Nel found a gap, powered through, and dotted down to end the drought. The floodgates were about to open.
Mahoney announced his arrival on the scoresheet just before the break, capitalising on quality phase play to cross for his first. Centre Luke Burger joined the party moments later, scoring in quick succession to hand Griquas a 19-10 half-time advantage. Game on.
Mahoney takes centre stage
The Iberians emerged from the sheds with fire in their bellies, launching wave after wave at the Griquas tryline. They eventually breached the defence, crossed the whitewash, and prepared to celebrate. Only they couldn’t ground the ball. No try. Momentum swung violently.
Mahoney made them pay immediately. The fullback sensed blood, backed himself, and completed his hat-trick to extend Griquas’ lead. The writing was on the wall.
Centre Damian Markus, later named Man of the Match, then produced a moment of individual brilliance, starting and finishing a sweeping move that showcased everything impressive about this Griquas side. Vision, execution, pace, and precision.
The Iberians refused to surrender. No 8 Valentino Rizzo crashed over with 10 minutes remaining to add their second try and restore some pride. But Nel responded with his second, before Mahoney saved the best for last, crossing for his fourth try to cap an outstanding personal performance and seal a comprehensive victory.
Pumas dominant, Cheetahs falter
Elsewhere on Sunday’s final day of Toyota Challenge action, the Pumas ran riot against Portugal’s Lusitanos, racking up 68 points in a 68-20 demolition that underlined South African provincial rugby’s strength in depth.
The Cheetahs, however, endured a disappointing afternoon in Tbilisi, falling 36-25 to Georgia’s Black Lion. The defeat will sting for a an ambitious side like the Cheetahs, but the experience of competing in tough conditions against quality opposition will serve them well.
Griquas’ unbeaten Tbilisi Cup campaign reinforces their status as one of South African rugby’s most entertaining and effective sides. Bergh has built a squad capable of playing expansive rugby without sacrificing defensive solidity, a balance that proved too much for every opponent they faced.
Connor Mahoney’s four-try haul will grab the headlines, and rightly so. But this was a complete team performance built on foundations laid in Bloemfontein and perfected in Georgia. Six matches, six wins, and a trophy to show for it.
