The Currie Cup champions have opted for a largely experimental side, with several fringe players and others who played limited roles during their successful title defence getting an opportunity to put their hands up.

There is also plenty of excitement among the newcomers, with four players in line to pull on the Peacock Blues jersey for the first time.

Sako Mako against Black Lion in Bloemfontein - Morgan Piek

Powerful winger Sako Makata, the Griquas’ so-called hybrid player, will also reach a significant milestone when he makes his 50th appearance for the Kimberley outfit.

Stefan Coetzee starts at fullback, with Makata and Connor Mahoney named on the wings. Tom Nel and Damian Markus form a new-look centre pairing, while Liam Koen starts at flyhalf and will link up with Caleb Abrahams at halfback.

Up front, Dillon Smith, Carel van der Merwe and Phumzile Maqondwana make up the loose trio.

Derik Pretorius will captain the side from the second row, where he will partner Lungi Mbiko.

Caleb Abrahams against Black Lion - Morgan Piek

In the front row, Bom Louw, Janus Venter and Corné Lavagna will get the starting nod.

There is plenty of interest on the bench, where Sharks hooker Willem van der Heever is in line to make his Griquas debut. The nuggety hooker, who has joined the Griquas on a short-term contract, previously played for the Griffons.

It will be his third team of the 2026 season. Van der Heever was on loan with the Bulls during the SA Cup before turning out for the Sharks in the Currie Cup.

Ntsika Fistanti is another player set to make his Griquas bow. The loose forward featured for the Pumas in both the SA Cup and Currie Cup finals and has long been one of their standout loose forwards.

His arrival is a significant boost for the Griquas, particularly following the departure of Carl Els.

Danrich Visagie going in for his try against the Griquas in the SA Cup final - Morgan Piek

Danrich Visagie and Luke Burger will also make their Griquas debuts if called upon.

Visagie has joined from the Pumas and will be a familiar face to the Griquas, having caused them plenty of headaches earlier this year. He played a starring role in the SA Cup final, scoring a late try before adding the conversion and a penalty as the Pumas successfully defended their title in Bloemfontein.

Burger, meanwhile, has joined from the Stormers and is the son of former Western Province and Springbok winger Kobus Burger.

Derik Pretorius will captain the Griquas against Black Lion - Morgan Piek

With the Currie Cup campaign now behind them, the Tbilisi Cup provides an opportunity for the Griquas to broaden their squad and give some of their fringe players a taste of international rugby.

Thursday night’s Tbilisi Cup clash between Black Lion and the Griquas takes place at the Avchala Stadium, with kick-off at 18:00.

Black Lions - TBA

Griquas - 15 Stefan Coetzee, 14 Connor Mahoney, 13 Tom Nel, 12 Damian Markus, 11 Sako Makata, 10 Liam Koen, 9 Caleb Abrahams, 8 Dillon Smith, 7 Carel van der Merwe, 6 Phumzile Magondwana, 5 Derik Pretorius (captain), 4 Lungi Mbiko, 3 Johan Louw, 2 Janus Venter, 1 Corne Lavagna

Replacements - 16 Willem van der Heever, 17 Ebune Ngundue, 18 Ntobeko Shezi, 19 Marco de Witt, 20 Ntsika Fisanti, 21 Jack Hart, 22 Danrich Visagie, 23 Luke Burger

Morgan Piek OFM Sport