In the backline, Luther Obi, returns to start on the wing in the place of the injured Blitzbok, Sako Makata.

The other changes are at tighthead prop with Justin Forwood replacing Janu Botha, and at hooker with Sean Swart starting in the place of Janco Uys.

Uys, who has been the go-to guy in the number two jersey is down with flu, while Botha has bruising on the chest. Both are expected to be fit for next weeks derby against the Cheetahs.

The Griquas coach, Pieter Bergh, told OFM Sport that they have enough depth in their squad and it won’t be too much of a disruption.

“We gave Sako an opportunity when we though that Luther didn't play his best rugby,” said Bergh.

“Now he gets another opportunity and it's good for us. We feel that we've got enough squad depth to handle these injuries.

“Where we are 11 weeks into the Currie Cup, I think we have been really lucky with injuries. Especially in our pack, so I don't think it will disrupt us too much.”

The Griquas will be desperate to return to winning ways in the Currie Cup after losing 40-20 to the Bulls in Kimberley last week. The Peacock Blues will certainly target this game for points as they seek to reach the semi-finals, but they are well aware that the Purple People Eaters know how to upset the applecart.

Saturday's game in Welkom starts at 13:00.

Griffons – 15 Duran Hoffman, 14 Granwill Matthys, 13 Keanu Vers, 12 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 11 Domenic Smit, 19 Duan Pretorius, 9 Jaywinn Juries, 8 Jean Pretorius, 7 Thomas Ongera, 6 That Mavundla, 5 Michael Bernardie, 4 Dian Olivier, 3 Doctor Booysen, 2 HP van Schoor, 1 Stephan de Jager.

Replacements - 16 Chadley Wen, 17 Xolani Jacobs, 18 Buhle Nojekwa, 19 Wikus Nieuwenhuis, 20 Curtly Thomas, 21 Sokuphumla Xakalashe, 22 Jandré de Beer, 23 Randy Fielies.

Griquas - 15 Ashlon Davids, 14 Rosko Specman, 13 Jay-Cee Nel, 12 Tertius Kruger, 11 Luther Obi, 10 Lubabalo Dobela, 9 Johan Mulder, 8 Carl Els, 7 Hanru Sirgel (captain), 6 Thabo Ndimande, 5 Derik Pretorius, 4 Dylan Sjöblom, 3 Justin Forwood, 2 Sean Swart, 1 Kudzwai Dude.

Replacements - 16 Gustav du Rand, 17 Eddie Davids, 18 Cebo Dlamini, 19 Johan Retief, 20 Stephan Smit, 21 Raegan Oranje, 22 George Whitehead, 23 Sango Xamlashe.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport