Seasoned trio return for Griquas

Griquas received a timely boost with the news that three of their most seasoned players will be back for the trip to Bloemfontein this week.

Wing Richard Lawson, injured shoulder, is the only casualty from their 21-45 loss to Western Province in Cape Town last Saturday - a result that ended a three-match winning streak for the men from Kimberley.

But with their Currie Cup play-off prospects still firmly in their own hands, Griquas will welcome back wing Jannie Boshoff, centre JP Nel and loose forward Leon Karemaker ahead of their encounter with the Free State Cheetahs.

Coach Pote Human confirmed to this website that Boshoff will be available against after missing the last two matches as a result of the tragic death of his father.

Karemaker, who injured his knee in the win over the Blue Bulls, was a late withdrawal from the side that lost to WP.

"We had hoped that he would recover, but by Friday we decided that it is not worth risking him," Human said.

He added that Nel could also be available again, after recovering from the hand injury that has sidelined him since the opening week of the tournament.

"He trained well today [Monday], but we will make a call on Tuesday after we see how the body reacted to training," Human told this website.

"It is good to get a few experienced players back, especially after the loss [to WP]."

By Jan de Koning