Griquas without star recruit for Bulls clash

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas will head into their Super Rugby Unlocked opener against the Bulls without star recruit CJ Velleman.

Velleman, who joined from the Southern Kings, is missing from the 26-man squad for the match in Pretoria. He was on the bench for his team's warm-up against the Cheetahs last weekend.

Meanwhile, there are two changes to Griquas' starting XV for Saturday's match.

In the pack, HJ Luus takes over the No.2 jersey from Monde Hadebe.

In the backline, Harlon Klaasen replaces Eduan Keyter at outside centre.

Wing Daniel Kasende, who played Varsity Cup for Wits University, was on trial at the Bulls before he made the move to Kimberley.

Griquas: 15 Anthony Volmink, 14 Daniel Kasende, 13 Harlon Klaasen, 12 André Swarts, 11 James Verity-Amm, 10 George Whitehead (captain), 9 Zak Burger, 8 Niell Jordaan, 7 Stefan Willemse, 6 Carl Els, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Ian Groenewald, 3 John-Roy Jenkinson, 2 HJ Luus, 1 Mox Mxoli.

Replacements – from: Alandre van Rooyen, Bandisa Ndlovu, Madot Mabokela, Adre Smith, Zandre Jordaan, Gideon van der Merwe, Ashon Davids, Berton Klaasen, Mzwanele Zito, Johan Momsen, Bjorn Basson.

Date: Saturday, October 10

Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Kick-off: 19.00 (17.00 GMT)

Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen

Assistant referees: Aimee Barrett-Theron, Morne Ferreira

TMO: Cwengile Jadezweni