Suzuki Griquas head coach Pieter Bergh has opted for a blend of continuity and tactical rotation ahead of Friday night’s massive Carling Currie Cup Premier Division central derby against the log-leading Toyota Cheetahs at the Suzuki Stadium at 19:00 (SAST).
Following a spectacular 56–26 demolition of the Vodacom Blue Bulls last weekend, the Griquas’ coaching staff has rewarded the forward pack by keeping the starting tight five and loose-forward trio completely intact. However, the squad features six changes designed to manage a mounting casualty list, with nine first-choice players currently ruled out through injury.
The most notable adjustments take place in the back three. Dynamic fullback Stefan Coetzee steps into the number 15 jersey, replacing the veteran Cameron Hufke. On the right wing, Connor Murray earns a starting berth ahead of Dylan Maart.
The rest of the starting backline retains its dangerous look. Tournament top-scorer George Whitehead will orchestrate play from flyhalf alongside sharp-service scrumhalf Bobby Alexander, while Mnombo Zwelendaba and Zane Bester lock down the midfield channels.
Up front, captain Albert Liebenberg continues his locking partnership with Lungisi Mbiko, anchoring a pack that dominated the Bulls at scrum time.
On the replacements bench, James Venter is set to make his official Currie Cup debut for the Griquas. Bergh has added further fresh legs to his bench unit, with prop Corne Lavagna, scrumhalf Jack Hart, and utility back Damian Markus all drafted into the matchday 23.
Suzuki Griquas: 15. Stefan Coetzee, 14. Connor Murray, 13. Zane Bester, 12. Mnombo Zwelendaba, 11. Gurswin Wehr, 10. George Whitehead, 9. Bobby Alexander, 8. Carl Els, 7. Marco de Witt, 6. Lourens Oosthuizen, 5. Albert Liebenberg (c), 4. Lungisi Mbiko, 3. IG Prinsloo, 2. Tiaan Lange, 1. Leon Lyons. Replacements: 16. James Venter, 17. Corne Lavagna, 18. Ntobeko Shezi, 19. Carel van der Merwe, 20. Phumzile Maqondwana, 21. Jack Hart, 22. Damian Markus, 23. Sako Makata.