The Griquas have opted for continuity once more ahead of their must-win Currie Cup game against the Lions in Johannesburg on Thursday.

The game was moved to the University of the Witwatersrand as the turf at Ellis Park is undergoing repairs. The game was also brought forward by a day.

Upfront, the loosehead prop, Kudzwai Dube, will be starting for the Griquas for the first time, will in the backline, Stefan Ungerer, returns to the starting XV to play at scrumhalf.

The Griquas coach, Pieter Bergh, emphasised the important of the match at Wits.

“This is a very important game before we have a three week break and it really is a must win game for us.

“The main aim since the Sharks match was to work on our execution when we enter the opposition 22m area and to come away with points.

“We are expecting a very tough match and also expect the Lions to pick a much stronger team than they have in recent weeks.

“Stefan Ungerer is back in the starting team and we will rely on his kicking game and experience as we expect a heavy field at Wits with all the rain that fell in the last few weeks.

“Kudzwai Dube gets his first start of the season. He has done really well coming off the bench and deserves to start this game.”

Thursday’s game at Wits kicks off at 15:00.

Lions - 15 Tiaan Swanepoel, 14 Boldwin Hansen, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 James Mollentze, 11 Zeilinga Strydom, 10 Luke Rossouw, 9 Andre Warner (captain), 8 Jarod Cairns, 7 Sibusiso Sangweni, 6 Sasko Ndlovu, 5 Cal Smid, 4 Junior White, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 JP Smith.

Replacements - 16 Darnell Osuagwu, 17 Banele Mthenjane, 18 Jannie du Plessis, 19 Henk Gouws, 20 Lindo Ncusane, 21 Jurich Claasens, 22 Fred Zeilinga, 23 Ngia Selengbe .

Griquas - 15 Rynhardt Jonker, 14 Munier Hartzenberg, 13 Sango Xamlashe, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Luther Obi, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Siba Qoma, 7 Hanru Sirgel, 6 Niel Otto (captain), 5 Derik Pretorius, 4 Mzwanele Zito, 3 Janu Botha, 2 Simon Westraadt, 1 Kudzwai Dube.

Replacements - 16 Gustav Durandt, 17 Eddie Davids, 18 Andries Schutte, 19 Johan Retief, 20 Luyolo Dapula, 21 Johan Mulder, 22 Chris Hollis, 23 Ashlon Davids.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport