Injuries force Griquas to change

Griquas coach Hawies Fourie made three changes to the side that will take on the table-topping Western Province in a Currie Cup match in Cape Town on Saturday.

After beating the Pumas at home for their second consecutive victory last week, Fourie would have preferred to keep the same team.

However, injuries have hampered his team selection ahead of the Newlands clash.

"We've had some setbacks with regards to injuries, but that is the nature of the game. We need to shake it off and focus on our game against Western Province," Fourie said on Wednesday.

Prop Ewald van der Westhuizen injured his hamstring and back-up scrummer Stephan Pretorius was also injured.

Fourie has included Super Rugby prop Nicolaas van Dyk in the starting line-up, while lock Hugo Kloppers earns his first start - with regular second row forward Jaco Nepgen not available, after his father passed away during the week.

Burger Schoeman comes into the starting XV at flanker, with Carel Greeff relegated to the bench.

The attack-minded backline remains in tact which was a positive, Fourie said.

"Our backline has come together very nicely. They are gelling as a unit and we are going to need that consistency. We have Gouws Prinsloo at fullback. Everyone is aware of his kicking abilities."

Griquas: 15 Gouws Prinsloo, 14 Ederies Arendse, 13 Jonathan Francke, 12 Gideon la Grange, 11 Petrus Vermeulen, 10 Francois Brummer (captain), 9 Tian Meyer, 8 Burger Schoeman, 7 Ruaan Lerm, 6 Marnus Schoeman, 5 Hugo Kloppers, 4 Hilton Lobberts, 3 Nicolaas van Dyk, 2 Martin Bezuidenhout, 1 Steph Roberts.

Replacements: 16 Ryno Barnes, 17 Janro van Niekerk, 18 Jonathan Adendorf, 19 Carel Greeff, 20 Abrie Griesel, 21 Dean Grant, 22 Danie Dames.

Date: Saturday, September 22

Venue: Newlands, Cape Town

Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)

Referee: Lesego Legoete

Assistant referees: Marius van der Westhuizen, Marc van Zyl

TMO: Shaun Veldsman

Source: SAPA