The versatile player has recovered from his shoulder injury and has been named on the bench for the game in Kimberley.

The team also sees the return of Stefan Ungerer to the starting XV, while the seasoned campaigner, Johnny Francke, get his first start of the season.

Swarts told OFM Sport that he is raring to go.

“The rehabilitation and the recovery took much longer than expected. This injury was really frustrating for me.

“At least I am back in it and I'm really stoked to get back out there on Friday again. I had a good hit out against the Griffons last week and I played for about 45 minutes.

“The shoulder is feeling good and the injury is feeling good. I'm just stoked to be playing again.”

Friday evening's game at Tafel Lager Park kicks off at 19:00.

Griquas – 15 Rynhardt Jonker, 14 Munier Hartzenberg, 13 Jonathan Francke, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Luther Obi, 10 Theo Boshoff, 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Sibabalo Qoma, 7 Michael Amiras, 6 Niel Otto (captain), 5 Derik Pretorius, 4 Mzwanele Zito, 3 Janu Botha, 2 Janco Uys, 1 Eddie Davids.

Replacements – 16 Gustav du Rand, 17 Kudzwai Dube, 18 Andries Schutte, 19 Johan Retief, 20 Hanru Sirgel, 21 Raegan Oranje, 22 André Swarts, 23 Sango Xamlashe.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport