The seasoned Suzuki Griquas flyhalf, George Whitehead, will reach a very special milestone on Thursday afternoon in the opening match of the SA Cup.

Whitehead will be playing in his 100th match for the Peacock Blues when they tackle the Leopards in Kimberley.

Whitehead, who turned 35-years-old on Monday has been playing first-class rugby for 15 years and he has also previously played a combined 101 games for the Free State, Eastern Province, the Griffons and the Stormers.

Whitehead will bring up his ton for the union, three players will be making their debut. Marco de Witt will start at 8th-man, while Jac van der Walt and Connor Mahoney will make their respective debuts off the bench.

The coach, Pieter Bergh, told OFM Sport that Whitehead is a true servant of Griquas rugby.

“I'm looking forward to a special day for George,” said Bergh.

“He deserves to start in his 100th match, especially for what he has done for this union. His loyalty he has shown over the years to the Griquas is an example for every player at the union.

“He is disciplined, he is professional, he works incredibly hard, he does his analysis, he always comes prepared for training, his detail is always spot on.

“Every player here, young, or old can learn from him.”

Thursday's match at the Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley kicks off at 15:00.

Griquas - 15 Cameron Hufke, 14 Marcqiewn Titus, 13 Sango Xamlashe, 12 Tertius Kruger, 11 Sako Makata, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Bobby Alexander, 8 Marco de Witt, 7 Stephan Smit (captain), 5 Albert Liebenberg, 4 Athenkosi Khetani, 3 Junior Banda, 2 Janco Uys, 1 Eddie Davids

Replacements - 16 Sean Swart, 17 Kudzwai Dube, 18 Cebo Dlamini, 19 Derik Pretorius, 20 Jac van der Walt, 22 Thoms Bursey, 22 Lubabalo Dobela, 23 Connor Mahoney.

Leopards – TBA

Morgan Piek OFM Sport