Suzuki Griquas head coach Pieter Bergh has opted for core continuity mixed with tactical adjustments ahead of Saturday’s highly anticipated Currie Cup clash against the Fidelity ADT Lions at Suzuki Stadium at 13:00 SAST.
Following a gritty 24–21 derby victory over the Toyota Cheetahs last weekend, Bergh has made just two changes to his starting XV while heavily refreshing his impact bench.
The only change in the backline was made at the right wing. Connor Mahoney, who started in the number 14 jersey last week, drops to the bench to make way for the incoming Dylan Maart.
Up front, loose forward Marco de Witt drops out of the match-day line-up entirely. His spot at blindside flank is taken by Carel van der Merwe, who earns a well-deserved promotion to the starting lineup after an energetic performance off the bench against the Cheetahs last week.
The engine room also sees a rotation. While captain Albert Liebenberg retains his number 5 jersey, his lock partner from last week, Lungisi Mbiko, is omitted from the 23. Malembe Mpofu steps up into the starting number 4 jersey to partner the skipper. Consequently, Derik Pretorius is drafted onto the bench to provide fresh second-row cover.
Prop Corné Lavagna and loose forward Phumzile Maqondwana both miss out on selection this week. Their places on the bench are taken by front-rower Eddie Davids and the newly introduced Dillon Smith.
Suzuki Griquas: 15 Stefan Coetzee, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Zane Bester, 12 Mnombo Zwelendaba, 11 Gurswin Wehr, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Bobby Alexander, 8 Carl Els, 7 Carel van der Merwe, 6 Lourens Oosthuizen, 5 Albert Liebenberg (c), 4 Malembe Mpofu, 3 Ig Prinsloo, 2 Tiaan Lange, 1 Leon Lyons. Replacements: 16 Janus Venter, 17 Eddie Davids, 18 Ntobeko Shezi, 19 Derik Pretorius, 20 Dillon Smith, 21 Jack Hart, 22 Sako Makata, 23 Connor Mahoney.