Griquas scraping bottom of the barrel
Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:47
Dawie Theron: Forced into changing his line-up. (c) Gallo
The ambitious Griquas team's Currie Cup play-off hopes were dealt another cruel blow this week.
Griquas coach Dawie Theron admitted that his team was "scraping the bottom of the barrel", after more injuries devastated the Kimberley-based outfit ahead of their Round Eight encounter with the Sharks in Durban on Friday.
Lock Frikkie Spies has joined the ever-growing injury list, having suffered a groin injury in the heartbreaking (38-39) loss to the Blue Bulls last week. His place in the starting XV has been taken by former UCT star Michael Passaportis.
However, even worse is another front row injury - where Griquas have already lost three props to overseas clubs this season.
Jacobie Adriaanse injured his elbow against the Bulls and Jean Botha will start at tighthead prop. Adriaanse has been bracketed with Ivann Espag on the bench, pending a late fitness test.
Centre Matt Rosslee fractured his hand against the Bulls and could be ruled out for up to six weeks. The seasoned midfielder Barry Geel comes into the starting XV at No.12.
The rare ray of sunshine is the news that fullback Riaan Viljoen - a Bok tourist last year - has been cleared, after taking a knock to the head.
Griquas: 15 Riaan Viljoen, 14 Richard Lawson, 13 Wilmaure Louw, 12 Barry Geel, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Naas Olivier (captain), 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Burger Schoeman, 7 Rohan Kitshoff, 6 Davon Raubenheimer, 5 Cecil-John Kemp, 4 Michael Passaportis, 3 Jean Botha, 2 Ryno Barnes, 1 Steph Roberts.
Replacements: 16 Simon Westraadt, 17 Jacobie Adriaanse/Ivann Espag, 18 Johan van Deventer, 19 Gerhard Human, 20 Marnus Hugo, 21 Rocco Jansen, 22 Rudi Vogt.
Date: Friday, August 27
Venue: Absa Stadium, Durban
Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10 GMT)
Referee: Jonathan Kaplan
Assistant referees:
Lourens van der Merwe, Reuben Rossouw
TMO: Johann Meuwesen
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