Griquas to field their best against the Pumas
GRIQUAS coach Pote Human has selected his strongest available side for their all-important Currie Cup promotion/relegation playoff game against the Pumas in Kimberley on Friday.
Human said yesterday that the Peacock Blues had every intention of defending their Currie Cup status, and would look to playing to their strengths in the first of two matches.
“This is our strongest available side and one we trust will help secure Griquas’ future in the Premier League of the Currie Cup,” Human said.
“We pride ourselves on our brand of physical rugby and we will be out to dominate physically against the Pumas.”
Human has included Springbok playmaker Willie le Roux at wing in the place of Luzuko Vulindlu.
The Griquas coach said he was looking forward to having the fleet-footed wing in his line-up and was looking for something special from the player.
“Willie is a special player. There is no doubt about that.
“He has done some wonderful things for the Cheetahs and Springboks and we are happy to have him in our midst for what is one of the most important games of our entire season.
“Willie brings a certain flair to the back-line and is raring to go, especially after having a rest for the game against the Golden Lions last weekend.”
Jean Stemmet retains his place at centre, after he put up a solid display for Griquas against the Lions at the weekend.
Stemmet will partner young inside-centre Howard Mnisi at the expense of Jonathan Francke.
“Jean has played some very good rugby the last couple of weeks and deserves a shot,” Human said.
“He will partner with Howard in what we feel is the best centre combination for the Pumas.
“That being said, JP is still a veteran that can be very valuable as an impact player from the replacement bench.”
The Northern Cape side, whose home base is Kimberley, will field a new half-back combination, with Francois Brummer and Marnus Hugo replacing Du Randt Gerber and Jacques Coetzee at flyhalf and scrumhalf respectively.
Seasoned prop Lourens Adriaanse, along with burly lock Ligtoring Landman, has been included as part of a formidable forward pack with an eye on physical dominance.