Two new faces do battle for Griquas
Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:30
The Griquas rugby side will field two new faces when they tackle the Boland Cavaliers in their Currie Cup encounter in Wellington on Friday.
Former Boland prop, Ruaan du Preez, who had been training with Western Province so far this season, will make his debut at tighthead prop for Griquas.
Livewire James van der Walt, who is on loan from the Blue Bulls, will slot in at hooker between Du Preez and Albertus Buckle.
On paper coach Dawie Theron has a very powerful team with Heinrich Stride, Stefan Gerber and Frans Viljoen forming a formidable loose trio.
But their direct opponents, Dries van Schalkwyk, Frankie Horne and Zolani Mofu also rate among the best.
Griquas have their backs against the wall after two consecutive defeats and all indications are that Friday's game can go a long way in deciding their position on the log at the end of the season.
Centre Herkie Kruger will lead the team, which includes exciting runners such as fullback Riaan Viljoen and Bjorn Basson, who will turn out at left wing.
Griquas: 15 Riaan Viljoen, 14 Gavin Passens, 13 Jaco Bekker, 12 Herkie Kruger (captain), 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Conrad Barnard, 9 Tobie Botes, 8 Heinrich Stride, 7 Stefan Gerber, 6 Frans Viljoen, 5 Jacques Lombaard, 4 Wayne van Heerden, 3 Ruaan du Preez, 2 James van der Walt, 1 Albertus Buckle.
Replacements: 16 Dean Hopp, 17 Stef Roberts, 18 Cilliers Coetzer, 19 Gareth Krause, 20 Sarel Pretorius, 21 Lafras Uys, 22 Egon Seconds.
Date: Friday, July 4
Venue: Boland Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 15.30 (13.30 GMT)
Referee: Jonathan Kaplan
Touch judges: Jerome America, Linston Manuels
Television match official: Willie Roos
SAPA
