Griquas' banned captain returns

Griquas coach Pote Human included hooker and captain Ryno Barnes as the only change to his side for their Currie Cup encounter against Western Province in Cape Town on Saturday.

Barnes, returning from a one week suspension, replaces Matt Dobson.

"Matt did really well last weekend, but Ryno is our captain and we will need him against an experienced outfit like Western Province," the Griquas mentor Pote Human said on Wednesday.

"Matt can still play a major role as impact player from the bench though."

In the only other change to the bench wing Luzuko Vulindlu comes into the match 22.

Vulindlu, who got injured against the Sharks, played a leading role in Griquas' victory over the Durban-based side two weeks ago and could be a factor against Western Province.

The Peacock Blues have now won three games – against the Lions, Sharks and Blue Bulls – consecutively.

Human said he hoped the decision not to tamper with his side will give them that elusive victory over Western Province at Newlands.

The team has not won a match against Province at Newlands for 101 years.

"We know Western Province are very tough to beat in Cape Town, thus we've chosen to go with the same side that did so well against the Blue Bulls," Human said.

"We have the momentum and we want to keep it.

"If we can beat Province at home, we will be well on our way to a possible Currie Cup semi-final."

Griquas: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Richard Lawson, 13 Jean Stemmet, 12 Walter Venter, 11 Rocco Jansen, 10 Francois Brummer, 9 Marnus Hugo, 8 Leon Karemaker, 7 Wesley Wilkins, 6 Marnus Schoeman, 5 Martin Muller, 4 Rynhardt Landman, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Ryno Barnes (captain), 1 Steph Roberts.

Replacements: 16 Matt Dobson, 17 Ivann Espag, 18 Edwin Hewitt, 19 Justin Downey, 20 Jacques Coetzee, 21 Marnitz Boshoff, 22 Luzuko Vulindlu.

Date: Saturday, September 22

Venue: Newlands, Cape Town

Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00)

Referee: Stuart Berry

Assistant referees: Sindile Mayende, Marc van Zyl

TMO: Deon van Blommestein