Kimberley – Griquas were plagued by injuries in the build up to their Currie Cup encounter against the Golden Lions at GWK Park in Kimberley on Saturday.
Injuries to flyhalf and interim captain Francois Brummer, eighthman Burger Schoeman, flanker 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. It is never something that you want, but it is almost always something you have to deal with,” said Griquas coach Hawies Fourie on Wednesday.
“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 eighthman and prop respectively.
In positional changes regular lock Jaco Nepgen packs down at flanker as Schoeman moves to the bench.
Center Wayne Stevens replaces Doppies la Grange in midfield and resumes the captaincy.
“We know that the Lions are going to be a tough team to beat. They are on form and we are struggling for survival. We have surprised a couple of sides at home in the competition thus far and we will look to our home ground advantage to help give us momentum.”
Griquas side: Gouws Prinsloo, Ederies Arendse, Jonathan Francke, Wayne Stevens (captain), PJ Vermeulen, Dean Grant, Tian Meyer, Carel Greeff, Jaco Nepgen, Ruaan Lerm, Hugo Kloppers, Hilton Lobberts, Maks van Dyk, Martin Bezuidenhout, Janro van Niekerk. Replacements: Ryno Barnes, Simon Westraadt, RJ Liebenberg, Marnus Schoeman, Abrie Griesel, Jacquin Jansen, Danie Dames.– Sapa