Experienced lock Derik Pretorius comes into the starting line-up in place of Malembe Mpofu, who is sidelined with concussion after failing his HIA protocol.

This will be Pretorius’ second Currie Cup final appearance. He previously started in the 2022 final against the Pumas in Kimberley. The only difference is that three years ago he wore the number 5 jersey, while this week he will don the number 4 jumper. Pretorius is one of just three players playing on the weekend that were in the starting team during the 2022 final – with the others being George Whitehead and Janco Uys.

Janco Uys - Morgan Piek

The change in the second row also sees Phumzile Maqondwana named on the bench, with Marco de Witt providing cover at lock. Although Maqondwana has had limited game time this season, he remains a quality player and brings something different to the squad.

Coach Pieter Bergh told OFM Sport that Maqondwana’s inclusion adds depth, while Pretorius gets a valuable opportunity to start after mainly coming off the bench this season.

“Malembe failed his HIA test, so unfortunately he’s out because of concussion,” said Bergh.

“It’s a good opportunity for Derik to come in, and we felt Marco de Witt could cover at lock for us. Bringing in Phumzile is also important — he’s an experienced player who has played in a Currie Cup final before. He’s part of our leadership group and has worked incredibly hard with the non-playing squad every week, helping us prepare. He deserves his place, and I think we’ll need his experience off the bench.”

Meanwhile, versatile back Tom Nel is set to make history this weekend. The 23-year-old, who is named on the bench, will become the first player in South African rugby to feature in the finals of the Varsity Cup, SA Cup, and Currie Cup in the same season.

George Whitehead - Morgan Piek

Earlier this year, Nel lifted the Varsity Cup trophy with UCT Ikeys, while in the SA Cup final the Pumas beat the Griquas 39-14.

Bergh described the occasion as a special opportunity for Nel.

“Tom has done really well this year — he’s played in the final of every competition, winning one and losing one. Hopefully this final will be a good one for him. He’s had a wonderful year, and we hope to top it off with a win for him personally, even though he’s mostly come off the bench and hasn’t had much game time.

“We haven’t had any issues putting him on, and he’s performed well every time he’s entered the field, especially in defence. We believe his qualities will be important towards the end of the match.”

Saturday’s Currie Cup final at Ellis Park kicks off at 15:00.

Lions – TBA

Griquas - 15 Cameron Hufke, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Zane Bester, 12 Mnombo Zwelendaba, 11 Gurswin Wehr, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Caleb Abrahams, 8 Gustav Erlank, 7 Carl Els, 6 Lourens Oosthuizen, 5 Albert Libenberg, 4 Derik Pretorius, 3 Cebo Dlamini (captain),  2 Janco Uys, 1 Eddie Davids

Replacements - 16 Tiaan Lange, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 IG Prinsloo, 19 Marco de Witt, 20 Pumzile Maqondwana, 21 Thomas Bursey, 22 Tom Nel, 23 Connor Mahoney

Morgan Piek OFM Sport