Pumas make a handful of changes for showdown with Griquas

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Pumas have made five changes to their starting XV that will face the Griquas on Friday.

The pack are sporting three changes, including one positional switch, while the backline has two changes following their defeat to the Cheetahs in Round 13 of the Currie Cup.

Corne Fourie replaces Cameron Dawson at loosehead prop.

Fourie's switch from hooker to prop means that Pieter Jacobs gets a promotion from the bench to this Friday's No.2.

The rest of the pack is unchanged with Shane Kirkwood retaining the captain's armband.

In the backline, Ali Mgijima takes centre stage. He takes the spot of Wian van Niekerk, who moves to the bench.

There is also a new face at scrumhalf as Chriswill September comes in for Giovan Snyman.

Pumas: 15 Devon Williams, 14 Andrew Kota, 13 Diego Appollis, 12 Ali Mgijima, 11 Etienne Taljaard, 10 Tinus de Beer, 9 Chriswill September, 8 Kwanda Dimaza, 7 Francois Kleinhas, 6 Andre Fouche, 5 Shane Kirkwood (captain), 4 Deon Slabbert, 3 Simon Raw, 2 Pieter Jacobs, 1 Corne Fourie.

Replacements: 16 Darnell Osuagwu, 17 Etiene Janeke, 18 Dewald Maritz, 19 Malembe Mpofu, 20 Ruwald van der Merwe, 21 Giovan Snyman, 22 Gene Willemse, 23 Wian Van Niekerk

Date: Friday, June 9

Venue: Griqua Park, Kimberley

Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)

Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen

Assistant Referees: Griffin Colby, Stephan Geldenhuys

TMO: Quinton Immelman