The most notable change to the unbeaten Griquas side this week is at hooker, where the experienced Janco Uys makes his long-awaited return from injury. 

The tough-as-teak hooker recovered from a knee injury and then was dealt a double whammy when he sustained a hamstring injury. Uys replaces Gustav du Rand in the number two jersey for this crucial clash, with Du Rand rotating to the bench.

Janco Uys. Photo: Morgan Piek

The bench also sees the return of powerful winger Sako Makata, who sustained a facial injury during the emphatic win over the Border Bulldogs in East London a couple of weeks ago.

Griquas head coach Pieter Bergh told OFM Sport that it's fantastic to have Uys back and they're looking forward to the impact he’ll bring – especially at scrum time, an area where the side has struggled recently.

“He’s a leader for us – his input during scrum sessions and in forwards’ meetings has definitely been missed,” said Bergh.

“He’s a very good scrummaging hooker and our scrum hasn’t been where we’d like it over the last few weeks, so we’re hoping he can make a difference there.

“I’d say he’s one of the best scrummaging hookers in South Africa. Gustav du Rand and Dandré Delport have done really well, but Janco needs some game time now – it’s a good moment to have him back as we enter the business end of the season.

“Hopefully, he can stay injury-free now. He had a knee injury, then came back, and unfortunately picked up a hamstring strain – which can happen after a knee injury.

Gustav du Rand. Photo: Morgan Piek

“So, we’ve had to be really patient with him. But ja, we’re excited to see him back in the park this weekend – it’s brilliant to have him available again.”

Friday’s match between the Griquas and Eastern Province at the Suzuki Stadium kicks off at 15:00.

Griquas - 15 Cameron Hufke, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Zane Bester, 12 Tertius Kruger, 11 Gurswin Wehr, 10 George Whitehead (captain), 9 Bobby Alexander, 8 Gustav Erlank, 7 Marco de Witt, 6 Thabo Ndimande, 5 Albert Liebenberg, 4 Dylan Sjoblom, 3 Corné Weilbach, 2 Janco Uys, 1 Eddie Davids

Replacements - 16 Gustav du Rand, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Cebo Dlamini, 19 Athenkosi Khetani, 20 Carl Els, 21 Xavier Swartbooi, 22 Tylor Sefoor, 23 Sako Makata

Eastern Province - 15 Jaden Bantom, 14 Rodney Damons, 13 Sherwin Slater, 12 Troy Delport, 11 Davian Swanepoel, 10 Chris Humphries, 9 Shirwin Cupido, 8 Athi Manentsa, 7 Laken Gray, 6 CJ Velleman, 5 Stefan Willemse (captain), 4 JJ Scheepers, 3 Zukisa Sali, 2 Deon Plaatjies, 1 Siyakubonga Nzuzo

Replacements - 16 Masikane Mazwi, 17 Arno Gustafson, 18 Dunvan Du Buisson, 19 Hannes Huisaman, 20 Diego Williams, 21 Wayne Ngubane, 22 Chadwyn November, 23 Liqhawe Mokuena/ Enrique Franks

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh