Move over Liverpool! Griquas' 'mentality monsters' are roaring for the Currie Cup climax

Move over, Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool.

There are new "mentality monsters" in town, specifically in sleepy Kimberley.

Griquas mentor Pieter Bergh made the memorable comparison while describing his gifted young decision-makers in a backline that's become increasingly authoritative and potent ahead of Saturday's Currie Cup final against the Pumas.

"Mentality monsters" refers to a term coined by the Reds' charismatic manager to illustrate how his carefully crafted team went from proverbial bridesmaids to an outfit of serial winners - 5 major trophies in 4 seasons - by developing the type of mental steeliness that ruthlessly turned those disappointments into catalysts for success.

The cornerstone for being a "mentality monster" is unwavering self-belief, and Bergh believes his band of rookies in Johan Mulder (scrumhalf), Zander du Plessis (flyhalf) and the midfield pairing of Rynhardt Jonker and Sango Xamlashe have that by the bucketsful.

READ | More heartache for tragedy-stricken Niel Otto as Griquas skipper misses out on historic final

"I call those four players my 'mentality monsters'," said the Peacock Blues' head coach.

"They just have so much belief in themselves. For example, when we broke the Cheetahs' unbeaten run [by virtue of a brilliant 46-18 win a few weeks back], we had Johan lining up against Ruan Pienaar. We had Zander fronting up to Frans Steyn.

"We backed those young guys and they stepped up to the challenge and performed against opponents of that experience, two World Cup winners. They outplayed and outclassed them that day."

Given how Griquas went on a stellar run of form after that central derby win that catapulted them into their first domestic final since 1970, it's safe to say the "monsters" have been roaring.