Johannesburg – Griquas coach Pote Human named a strong side to face the Blue Bulls in their first Currie Cup fixture at Loftus Versfeld on Friday.
The Kimberley-based side progressed to the final of the Vodacom Cup earlier this year and were fortunate not to lose any players to the Springbok side during the Currie Cup season, making them outside favourites for this year's title.
Human included his two Super Rugby campaigners, flanker Justin Downey and fullback Willie le Roux, in a strong side which includes two former Blue Bulls players, centres JP Nel and Stefan Watermeyer.
Nel returned to Kimberley after a four year stint in Japan, while Watermeyer opted to play for Griquas after his contract at the Bulls expired at the end of last year.
“We are looking to the senior players in the team to provide much-needed experience,” Human said.
“It won't be easy at Loftus. A lot of people are making too much of the Bulls being without their Springboks, but we aren't under any illusions.”
There were no surprises with Human's forwards pack, with lock Martin Muller teaming up with Ligtoring Landman.
They will be looking to dominate in the lineouts, while the likes of Lourens Adriaanse, Ryno Barnes and Steph Roberts will bolster the front row.
Griquas team: Willie le Roux, Luzuko Vulindlu, JP Nel, Stefan Watermeyer, Rocco Jansen, Francois Brummer, Jacques Coetzee, Leon Karemaker, Jonathan Adendorf, Justin Downey, Martin Muller, Rynard 'Ligtoring' Landman, Lourens Adriaanse, Ryno Barnes, Steph Roberts.
Replacements: Matt Dobson, Janro van Niekerk, Frikkie Spies, Jaco Nepgen, Marnus Hugo, Marnitz Boshoff, Wilmaure Louw. – Sapa