Griquas get vital experience for Sharks showdown

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas recalled some serious experience for their Currie Cup Round Eight encounter with the Sharks in Kimberley on Wednesday.

Coach Pieter Bergh recalled seasoned back George Whitehead at flyhalf in the only change to the starting XV that beat the Lions (49-17) in Round Six almost a month ago.

Whitehead, 33, replaces Theo Boshoff at flyhalf.

On the bench there are a few additions - Gustav du Rand (replacement hooker), Johan Retief (second row) and Christopher Hollis (utility back) will get some game time.

However, the return of Whitehead, after a lengthy injury-enforced lay-off, is a significant boost for the ambitious Griquas outfit.

"His experience is vital for us," the coach said.

"His kicking game will be very important to us in this game."

It is not just his kicking at goal, where he sits at 85 percent, but also his tactical kicking that will be a handy boost for the hosts.

Griquas: 15 Rynhardt Jonker, 14 Munier Hartzenberg, 13 Sango Xamlashe, 12 Alex-Zander du Plessis, 11 Luther Obi, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Johan Mulder, 8 Sibabalo Qoma, 7 Hanru Sirgel, 6 Niel Otto (captain), 5 Derik Pretorius, 4 Mzwanele Zito, 3 Janu Botha, 2 Simon Westraadt, 1 Eddie Davids.

Replacements: 16 Gustav du Rand, 17 Kudzwai Dude, 18 Andries Schutte, 19 Johan Retief, 20 Michael Amiras, 21 Stefan Ungerer, 22 Ashlon Davids, 23 Christopher Hollis.

Date: Wednesday, April 6

Venue: Griqua Park, Kimberley

Kick-off: 17.45 (15.45 GMT)

Referee: Adriaan Jacobs

Assistant referees: Jaco Kotze, Local

TMO: Egon Seconds