Double blow for Griquas

The Griquas will be without injured prop Janro van Niekerk and flank Wesley Wilkins for their clash with the Golden Lions in Kimberley on Saturday.

Coach Pote Human was forced to replace both players in the starting line-up for their duel with the defending Currie Cup champions this weekend, whilst there is just one change in the backline with veteran centre JP Nel replacing Walter Venter.

Human said that the loss of Van Niekerk will be keenly felt against the strong Lions scrum, but added that he has confidence in the abilities of his replacement Steph Roberts.

"It is unfortunate that Janro can't play. He will be sorely missed in the scrums," Human said.

"He had a good couple of games and his absence doesn't do much for consistency. We have, however, included Steph Roberts in his place.

"Steph is another seasoned veteran and his experience will come in handy against the Lions forwards.

"We know that they are a good scrum outfit and we have a lot of respect for what prop and captain JC Janse van Rensburg and his pack of forwards bring to the table," he added.

Wilkins failed to recover from a knee injury and is unavailable for the clash against the log leaders. He is replaced by Justin Downey.

Human said that continuity is vital at this late stage of the season and explained that his side will stick to what has worked for them this year.

"There is no need for us to now drastically start changing things around," Human said.

"We have kept the faith in the players that have performed well in the past. The team now has to show that our trust in them is warranted."

Griquas: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Jannie Boshoff, 13 Jean Stemmet, 12 JP Nel, 11 Rocco Jansen, 10 Francois Brummer, 9 Marnus Hugo, 8 Leon Karemaker, 7 Justin Downey, 6 Marnus Schoeman, 5 Martin Muller, 4 Rynhardt Landman, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Ryno Barnes (captain), 1 Steph Roberts.

Replacements: 16 Matt Dobson, 17 Ivann Espag, 18 Edwin Hewitt, 19 Jaco Nepgen, 20 Jacques Coetzee, 21 Marnitz Boshoff, 22 Walter Venter.

Date: Saturday, October 6

Venue: GWK Park, Kimberley

Kick-off: 14.00 (12.00 GMT)

Referee: Mark Lawrence

Assistant referees: Marius van der Westhuizen, François de Bruin

TMO: Deon van Blommestein