Rugby
They will have a point to prove - Bergh─── MORGAN PIEK 08:39 Thu, 29 Sep 2022
The Griquas have named seven debutants in their squad for Friday’s friendly against Emerging Ireland in Bloemfontein.
The Griquas will feature a brand new halfback combination with Eddie Fouché starting at flyhalf for the match, while Bobby Alexander will start in the number jersey.
The former Cheetah, Malcolm Jaer, will make his debut at fullback, while upfront, Janco Venter and Albert Liebenberg will also play their first game.
The prop Melusi Mthabela and the lock, Godfrey Muzanargwo, will both make their debuts for the team off the bench.
Griquas coach, Pieter Bergh, told OFM Sport that it will be a tough game as the Irish will have a point to prove, especially taking into account that there will be a Rugby World Cup in 2023.
“They are bringing a team with a plan in mind, and that is to develop their players. They are supposed to be the guys that will become the next Irish internationals in a few years.
“They will have a point to prove and they will want to show the selectors and the coaches that they are good enough to make the step-up if needed.
“It's great for us as well. We all dream of playing at a higher level such as the URC or in international rugby. To test ourselves against different opposition so early in the season will be great.”
Friday’s game at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 13:45.
Griquas - 15 Malcolm Jaer, 14 Raegan Oranje, 13 Jay-Cee Nel, 12 Tertius Kruger, 11 Luther Obi, 10 Eddie Fouché, 9 Bobby Alexander, 8 Janco Venter, 7 Werner Gouws, 6 Niel Otto, 5 Albert Liebenberg, 4 Johan Retief, 3 Justin Forwood, 2 Simon Westraadt, 1 Kudzwai Dube.
Replacements - 16 Janco Uys, 17 Melusi Mthabela, 18 Janu Botha, 19 Godfrey Muzanargwo, 20 Michael Amiras, 21 Johan Mulder, 22 George Whitehead, 23 Ashlon Davids, 24 Francois Staples, 25 Thabo Ndimande, 26 Vaughen Isaacs.
