The Griquas will start seasoned flyhalf and co-captain George Whitehead for the first time this season in a match they are expected to win. However, it could prove to be a potential banana peel if they become complacent.

Powerful winger Sako Makata will also make his first appearance of the season, while Gurswin Wehr, who scored a hat-trick on debut last week against the Valke, has earned another start.

Sako Makata. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Peacock Blues’ assistant coach, Brendell Brandt, told OFM Sport that despite being unbeaten, the team is still striving for a flawless performance, with a strong focus on the fundamentals.

“One of the things we’ve emphasised is just the basics. There are a lot of things in rugby that change – systems, defensive structures, attacking approaches – but the fundamentals of the game remain the same,” said Brandt.

“We’ve really focused on the basics over the past few days: attacking fundamentals, catching, and passing. The ball moves faster than any player, so we've worked extensively on our core skills leading into this game.”

Meanwhile, a new player has joined the Griquas squad in the form of former UFS Shimlas loose forward Phumzile Maqondwana. Having previously played for the Lions and Pumas, Maqondwana has been warmly welcomed by the team and has settled in well.

“It’s always great to have a new face in the camp and a fresh voice – he has fitted in really well,” Brandt told OFM Sport.

Phumzile Maqondwana (left) and Tapiwa Mafura (right). Photo: Morgan Piek

“It was actually his birthday over the weekend, and Lance (Salter) organised a cake for him. The boys sang Happy Birthday to him in the team room, and we’re really excited to work with him. His core skills are solid, and he has performed well in training over the past few days.

“We’re eager to see what he can bring to the team, but we’re very happy with his commitment in training so far.”

Friday’s match at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium kicks off at 15:00.

Border Bulldogs – TBA

Griquas – 15 Connor Mahoney, 14 Sako Makata, 13 Mnombo Zwelendaba, 12 Tertius Kruger, 11 Gurswin Wehr, 10 George Whitehead (co-captain), 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 Gustav Erlank, 7 Marco de Witt (co-captain), 6 Thabo Ndimande, 5 Dylan Sjoblom, 4 Athenkosi Khetani, 3 Cebo Dlamini, 2 Gustav du Rand, 1 Leon Lyons

Replacements – 16 Dandré Delport, 17 Eddie Davids, 18 Corné Weilbach, 19 Albert Liebenberg, 20 Stephan Smit, 21 Carl Els, 22 Bobby Alexander, 23 Dylan Maart

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh