Griquas search for first win

Griquas coach Hawies Fourie wants his side to be more physical when they take on the Sharks in Durban in a Currie Cup encounter on Saturday.

The Kimberley side has struggled this season and have yet to record a victory in this year's domestic competition.

"Currently, we aren't on the same level as other sides with regards to physicality. We need to step it up," Fourie said.

"Hilton Lobberts has just returned from a hamstring injury and we are glad, because he ads another dimension to our physical approach. Hopefully he will provide the spark we need."

The Griquas coach also welcomed the return of fullback Gouws Prinsloo after a lengthy ankle injury. He had been included in the side with Francois Brummer moving back to flyhalf and youngster Dean Grant relegated to the bench.

"Gouws is one of the best goal kickers in the country. If you get a chance at points, you know that there is a pretty good chance that you are going to bag them.

"He hails from the Sharks and knows how to kick at a difficult venue like Kings Park. His experience from his earlier days will be worth a lot."

The only other change in the starting line up sees former Lions centre Doppies la Grange get his first start in a Griquas jersey since he joined the side. He comes in for injured captain Wayne Stevens, who is out with a shoulder injury. In his absence, Brummer will captain the side.

"Doppies is very experienced and we are in a position where we need that sort of gusto," Fourie said.

"We need to beat the Sharks, not to reach the knockout stages, but to be in a position later where we are sure of our spot in next year's competition."

Griquas: Gouws Prinsloo, Ederies Arendse, Jonathan Francke, Doppies la Grange, PJ Vermeulen, Francois Brummer (captain), Tian Meyer, Ruaan Lerm, Carel Greeff, Marnus Schoeman, Jaco Nepgen, Hilton Lobberts, Ewald van der Westhuizen, Martin Bezuidenhout, Steph Roberts.

Replacements: Ryno Barnes, Maks van Dyk, Hugo Kloppers, Burger Schoeman, RJ Liebenberg, Abrie Griesel, Dean Grant.