Griquas forced to change

Griquas coach Pote Human made a number of changes, some injury related, to his rugby side for their Currie Cup derby against the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

After a poor display in the scrums against Western Province last week, the coach has opted to drop prop Steph Roberts from the starting line-up.

Roberts conceded several penalties in Cape Town, and Human has instead called up Janro van Niekerk, who will look to bolster Griquas' scrums against a side renowned for their set-piece play.

"Steph [Roberts] has done well thus far, but he needs a rest and this weekend is the perfect opportunity," Human said.

"Janro [van Niekerk] comes into the starting line-up. He has impressed in practice and deserves his shot.

"We are looking forward to a good performance by him."

Wing Jannie Boshoff comes in for Richard Lawson, who injured his shoulder against WP and is replaced by Boshoff, who was absent for two weeks after the sudden death of his father.

"It is bad for Richard [Lawson] that he got injured. He had a good couple of games," Human said.

"We are happy to welcome Jannie [Boshoff] back though and we know he, Rocco Jansen and Willie le Roux will form an exciting back three that will counter any attack that the Cheetahs can dish out."

Griquas also welcome back eighth man Leon Karemaker and veteran centre JP Nel.

Karemaker withdrew from the clash against Western Province, but has recovered from his knee injury, while Nel is included on the replacement bench after he fractured his hand in the first game of the Currie Cup against the Blue Bulls.

"We are well aware of how important the game against the Cheetahs is," Human said.

"For that reason Leon and JP Nel's return to the playing field is welcome. We are looking forward to a great game."

Griquas: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Jannie Boshoff, 13 Jean Stemmet, 12 Walter Venter, 11 Rocco Jansen, 10 Francois Brummer, 9 Marnus Hugo, 8 Leon Karemaker, 7 Wesley Wilkins, 6 Marnus Schoeman, 5 Martin Muller, 4 Rynhardt Landman, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Ryno Barnes (captain), 1 Janro van Niekerk.

Replacements: 16 Matt Dobson, 17 Ivann Espag, 18 Edwin Hewitt, 19 Justin Downey, 20 Jacques Coetzee, 21 Marnitz Boshoff, 22 JP Nel.

Date: Saturday, September 29

Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

Kick-off: 14.00 (12.00 GMT)

Referee: Jason Jaftha

Assistant referees: Marius van der Westhuizen, François de Bruin

TMO: Gerrie Coetzee