Last week’s 24–14 win against the Boland Cavaliers in Wellington was a bruising affair and it did take its toll with regards to injuries. Both locks who started against Boland – captain Albert Liebenberg and Malembe Mpofu - have been ruled out. Although the players have undergone scans, there is not yet a clear picture of the extent of their injuries.

This sees the powerful centre, Mnombo Zwelendaba, captaining the team in the crucial clash in the Friendly City. The backline also sees the return of Bobby Alexander from injury, with the scrumhalf set to form the halfback partnership with Liam Koen. Damian Markus will start at outside centre, while Sako Makata takes up position on the left wing.

Damian Markus gets an opportunity again after missing the last few games. Photo: Morgan Piek

Up front, Gustav Erlank, Marco de Witt and Lourens Oosthuizen will start in the loose trio, while Derik Pretorius and Lungisile Mbiko will pack down in the second row.

The exciting hooker, Keagan Blanckenberg, earns his first start in a Griquas jersey after making his debut off the bench against the Leopards in round one of the competition.

Speaking about his team selection for the week, coach Pieter Bergh told OFM Sport that injuries have taken their toll following the clash against Boland, but he is also excited to unleash the highly rated Blanckenberg as the union looks to extend his loan spell from the Stormers.

“We do have a few injuries this week. Both our locks, Albert and Malembe, are out, so we had to make a few changes,” said Bergh.

“After a hard, physical game against Boland it’s always good to bring in some fresh faces and energy. Tiaan Lange is being rested after doing really well for us. Keagan has also been working incredibly hard and he deserves this opportunity.

“He joined us from Western Province and he’s really enjoying it here. We’re actually trying to extend that loan with Western Province to keep him for the Currie Cup, and he’s very keen to stay, which is always a good sign. When a player who hasn’t played that much is still keen to stay on, it says a lot about the culture we have in our team.”

Young Liam Koen earns his third start for the Griquas. Photo: Morgan Piek

Bergh added that despite their position on the log, Allister Coetzee’s EP side will certainly not be easy to contend with, especially on their home patch, and it is important that Griquas stay switched on as they target a sixth consecutive win of the season.

“EP are a better team than the log maybe suggests,” Bergh added.

“They were 17-0 down against the Leopards away from home this past weekend and then came back to score 43 points and win comfortably. They’ll take a lot of confidence from that comeback.

Cameron Hufke will start at fullback on the weekend. Photo: Morgan Piek

“They also have an experienced international coaching staff with Allister Coetzee and Matt Proudfoot. You can see the structure they have and the improvements they’ve made.

“Playing away from home in a 5pm game in PE, if you’re not switched on they have the players, coaches and systems to hurt you. We have to make sure we’re ready for that.”

Saturday’s game between Eastern Province and Griquas at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium kicks off at 17:00.

Eastern Province - TBA

Griquas - 15 Cameron Hufke, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Damian Markus, 12 Mnombo Zwelendaba (captain), 11 Sako Makata, 10 Liam Koen, 9 Bobby Alexander, 8 Gustav Erlank, 7 Marco de Witt, 6 Lourens Oosthuizen, 5 Derik Pretorius, 4 Lungisile Mbiko, 3 Ig Prinsloo, 2 Keagan Blanckenberg, 1 Leon Lyons

Replacements - 16 Janco Uys, 17 Corne Lavagna, 18 Ebune Ngundue, 19 Carel van der Merwe, 20 Carl Els, 21 Jack Hart, 22 George Whitehead, 23 Gurswin Wehr

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvdw