Versatile flank Marco de Witt has been withdrawn from the starting XV due to a minor injury concern. While the issue is not considered serious, the Griquas coaching staff opted against taking any unnecessary risks in their opening match of the campaign.

His withdrawal sees Lourens Oosthuizen promoted from the replacements bench into the starting line-up, where he will wear the No. 6 jersey. Carl Els shifts across to the opposite side of the scrum, while the versatile Carel van der Merwe comes onto the bench to provide loose-forward and lock cover.

Marco de Witt. Photo: Morgan Piek

Van der Merwe impressed during the latter stages of the SA Cup and further showcased his versatility in the Toyota Challenge, where he featured both at flank and lock. He is expected to fill a similar utility role to that of De Witt when called upon.

Despite the late setback, it will still be a memorable evening for two loyal servants of the Peacock Blues.

Loosehead prop Leons Lyons and fleet-footed outside back Cameron Hufke are both set to earn their 50th caps for Griquas. Lyons, who joined the Kimberley outfit from Western Province, starts in the front row, while former Boland player Hufke has been named on the bench to provide cover for the outside backs.

Griquas head coach Pieter Bergh said the experience within his squad remains one of the team's biggest strengths, with the milestones achieved by Lyons and Hufke highlighting the stability built within the group.

“We've got a very experienced group and I think we average almost 50 caps per player in the team,” said Bergh.

“Experience only counts if the guys play well, but we have a squad that can hopefully handle the pressure, make the right decisions and lead from the front.

Lourens Oosthuizen. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Leon has been incredible since joining us. He's really embraced Kimberley, the culture and everything about the Griquas.

“The fact that he's still here after all these years says a lot about how much the players love this place. Cammy has also done really well since returning in 2023 and has become a regular in our team.

“It's great to have those guys. Leon gets the chance to play his 50th match against Western Province, where he started his career, so hopefully we can make it a special occasion for both of them.”

Cameron Hufke. Photo: Morgan Piek

The clash between the Stormers and Griquas at Cape Town Stadium kicks off at 19:05 on Friday.

Stormers XXIII – 15 Dylan Miller, 14 Gino Cupido, 13 Josh Boulle, 12 Cornel Smit, 11 Mfundo Ndhlovu, 10 Jean-Luc du Plessis (captain), 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Wandile Mlaba, 7 Divan Fuller, 6 Keke Morabe, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Tom Barnard, 3 Herman Lubbe, 2 Vernon Paulo, 1 Oli Kebble

Replacements – 16 Scarra Ntubeni, 17 Mhleli Khuzwayo, 18 Hencus van Wyk, 19 Dylan de Leeuw, 20 Enos Ndiao, 21 Xola Nyali, 22 Tiaan Fourie, 23 Dominic Malgas

Griquas – 15 Gurswin Wehr, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Mnombo Zwelendaba, 12 Sako Makata, 11 Stefan Coetzee, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Bobby Alexander, 8 Dillon Smith, 7 Carl Els, 6 Lourens Oosthuizen, 5 Albert Liebenberg (captain), 4 Malembe Mpofu, 3 IG Prinsloo, 2 Janco Uys, 1 Leon Lyons

Replacements – 16 Tiaan Lange, 17 Eddie Davids, 18 Ntobeko Shezi, 19 Derik Pretorius, 20 Carel van der Merwe, 21 Caleb Abrahams, 22 Damian Markus, 23 Cameron Hufke

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek