The defending champions opened their title defence with a disappointing 25–19 defeat to the Stormers in Cape Town last week, in a match they will feel they should never have lost. However, uncharacteristic ill-discipline ultimately proved costly for the Northern Cape outfit.

Discipline has been a major focus for the Griquas during the past week as they chase their first win of the campaign in front of their home supporters.

The exciting Dillon Smith is out injured. Photo: Morgan Piek

The most notable change sees lock Lungisi Mbiko handed his Currie Cup debut after replacing the injured Malembe Mpofu in the second row.

There are further changes in the pack, with Carl Els shifting from flank to eighth-man following the injury to Dillon Smith, while Marco de Witt returns to the starting XV after being a late withdrawal before last week’s clash against the Stormers.

There is also a change at hooker, with Tiaan Lange promoted from the bench to the run-on side, while Janco Uys provides front-row cover among the replacements.

In the backline, Gurswin Wehr switches from fullback to the left wing, allowing Cameron Hufke to take over at fullback. Hufke will celebrate his 50th Currie Cup appearance, while scrumhalf Bobby Alexander is also set to bring up his half-century of appearances in the competition.

The bench has also been reshuffled, with Phumzile Maqondwana, Sako Makata and Connor Mahoney all included among the replacements. They replace the suspended Derik Pretorius and Damian Markus, while Lange and Hufke have both been promoted to the starting line-up.

Griquas coach Pieter Bergh told OFM Sport it had been a difficult week as the squad came to terms with a defeat they believed was avoidable, while working hard to address the shortcomings that cost them dearly.

Phumzile Maqondwana brings physicality and leadership onto the bench. Photo: Morgan Piek

“It was a difficult week – we were very unhappy about the loss and the way we lost that game. That’s not how we know this team. Besides Derik Pretorius getting a red card, there was the penalty Carel van der Merwe conceded in the final five minutes, and then the high tackles by Damian Markus and Ntobeko Shezi. Those are discipline issues we’re not happy with.

“We only conceded eight penalties, but four of them were because of poor discipline and foul play. It’s not a tackler not rolling away or someone going offside under pressure – it’s things we simply have to be better at.

“It felt like we never should have lost that game. If we’d scored that try with six minutes to go, we’re probably be eight points ahead with five minutes left and we’re talking about taking five points in difficult conditions.

“But it didn’t work out that way, and everyone in this group understands that we have to be better. We also have to be honest that we’re getting too many cards and it’s costing us. We lost Derik for two weeks because of that, while Malembe Mpofu, Stefan Coetzee and Dillon Smith are all out injured.

“It’s been a difficult week, but we’re happy to be back at home, in conditions we’re familiar with, and we’re looking forward to playing in front of our supporters. We want to make them proud and get back on the winning track.”

Bergh said he is excited to see Mbiko get his opportunity after impressing during the Toyota Challenge in Bloemfontein, adding the young lock has earned the chance to prove himself on one of South African rugby’s biggest domestic stages.

Bobby Alexander will play in his 50th game for the Griquas. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Our depth is definitely being tested with the injuries – Lungi was very good during the Toyota Challenge.

“He didn’t play a lot in the SA Cup, but every time he’s had an opportunity he’s done well. He’s never had a bad game for us.

“This is a different level – it’s the Currie Cup against the Bulls, and it doesn’t get much bigger than that. He’s trained well and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do at this level and make that step up.”

Derik Pretorius is out through suspension. Photo: Morgan Piek

Saturday’s encounter at the Suzuki Stadium kicks off at 17:00.

Griquas – 15 Cameron Hufke, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Zane Bester, 12 Mnombo Zwelendaba, 11 Gurswin Wehr, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Bobby Alexander, 8 Carl Els, 7 Marco de Witt, 6 Lourens Oosthuizen, 5 Albert Liebenberg (captain), 4 Lungisi Mbiko, 3 IG Prinsloo, 2 Tiaan Lange, 1 Leon Lyons

Replacement – 16 Janco Uys, 17 Eddie Davids, 18 Ntobeko Shezi, 19 Carel van der Merwe, 20 Phumzile Maqondwana, 21 Caleb Abrahams, 22 Sako Makata, 23 Connor Mahoney

ulls – 15 Devon Williams, 14 Hakeem Kunene, 13 Demitre Erasmus, 12 PA van Niekerk, 11 Riyaad Bam, 10 Keagan Johannes, 9 Brooklyn Newman, 8 JJ Theron, 7 Cephas van Biljon, 6 Nama Xaba (captain), 5 Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, 4 Sintu Manjezi, 3 Dian Coetzee, 2 Shaun Schürmann, 1 Dylan Smith

Replacement - 16 Jaundre Schoeman, 17 Damian Baker, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Abongile Nonkontwana, 20 Thomas Beling, 21 Neil Le Roux, 22 Viaan Mentoor, 23 JJ Motlhodi

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm