Els has become a key member of the Griquas squad over the past few years and certainly makes his presence felt on the field.

However, he will reach this milestone off the bench, with Thabo Ndimande, Marco de Witt, and Gustav Erlank starting as the loose trio.

Sako Makata (right). Photo: Morgan Piek

Coach Pieter Bergh told OFM Sport that Els epitomises what it means to be a Griquas player. “He’s been here for a while – I think he was here before I came back,” said Bergh.

“He started in 2020 or thereabouts. He originally came through as a youngster from the Bulls, and now he’s a very experienced Griquas player. It’s great to have him around.

“He’s the type of player I consider a typical Griquas player – tough, passionate about the union, hardworking, and always contributing valuable input in team meetings. He’s versatile, and able to play in all back-row positions.

“He can slot in at six, seven, or eight. He arrived as a six but has played most of his rugby at eight. He’s strong in the lineouts and just an all-round solid professional for us. So, it's great for him to reach this milestone.

“He’ll get his opportunity off the bench this weekend. A year ago, he also re-signed for another two years, so it’s fantastic to have him here.”

Last week, the Griquas ran riot in East London with a commanding 118-3 demolition of the Border Bulldogs in Round 3. However, the win came at a cost, with winger Sako Makata suffering a facial fracture, ruling him out for a few weeks. The centre Tertius Kruger in turn took a heavy knock but is being rested more as a precaution.

Tertius Kruger. Photo: Morgan Piek

Saturday’s clash between the Griffons and Griquas in Welkom kicks off at 15:00.

Griffons - TBA

Griquas - 15 Cameron Hufke, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Zane Bester, 12 Mnombo Zwelendaba, 11 Gurswin Wehr, 10 George Whitehead (captain), 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 Gustav Erlank, 7 Marco de Witt, 6 Thabo Ndimande, 5 Albert Liebenberg, 4 Dylan Sjoblom, 3 Cebo Dlamini, 2 Gustav du Rand, 1 Leon Lyons

Replacements - 16 Dandré Delport, 17 Corné Lavagna, 18 Corné Weilbach, 19 Athenkosi Khethani, 20 Stephan Smit, 21 Carl Els, 22 Bobby Alexander, 23 Connor Mahoney

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh