Injury-riddle Griquas change it up

Injury-plagued Griquas were forced to make several changes in the build up to their Currie Cup encounter against the Golden Lions in Kimberley on Saturday.

Injuries to flyhalf and interim captain Francois Brummer, No.8 Burger Schoeman, flank Marnus Schoeman and prop Steph Roberts meant the tight five, loose trio and backline all had significant changes due to the Kimberley-based side's limited depth.

"We have a couple of changes due to injury," Griquas coach Hawies Fourie said.

It is never something that you want, but it is almost always something you have to deal with".

"We've lost some stalwarts, but it means that a couple of guys get the chance to prove their worth."

Brummer is replaced by Dean Grant, while Carel Greeff and Janro van Niekerk come into the starting line up at No.8 and prop respectively.

In positional changes regular lock Jaco Nepgen packs down at flank, as Schoeman moves to the bench.

Centre Wayne Stevens replaces Gideon la Grange in midfield and resumes the captaincy.

Griquas: 15 Gouws Prinsloo, 14 Ederies Arendse, 13 Johnathan Francke, 12 Wayne Stevens (captain), 11 PJ Vermeulen, 10 Dean Grant, 9 Tian Meyer, 8 Carel Greeff, 7 Jaco Nepgen, 6 Ruaan Lerm, 5 Hugo Kloppers, 4 Hilton Lobberts, 3  Nicolaas van Dyk, 2 Martin Bezuidenhout, 1 Janro van Niekerk.

Replacements: 16 Ryno Barnes, 17 Simon Westraadt, 18 RJ Liebenberg, 19 Marnus Schoeman, 20 Abrie Griesel, 21 Jacquin Jansen, 22 Danie Dames.

Date: Saturday, 27 September

Venue: GWK Park, Kimberley

Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)

Referee: Jaco Peyper

Assistant referees: Oregopotse Rametsi, Jan Venter

TMO: Jason Jaftha