Mapoe brings out kid gloves
The Golden Lions will be handling Griquas with kid gloves when the sides meet in Kimberley.
Currently occupying second place on the log, captain Lionel Mapoe said his team will be careful to not underestimate the home side.
"It is always tough going down there. It's not going to be easy and the boys know that. Griquas would want to prove a point that they belong in the Currie Cup Premier Division.
"The guys must just absorb the pressure and keep the pressure on them (Griquas). We know we have a job to do when we go down there (to Kimberley) and we just need to stay focussed," he said.
Promising centre Howard Mnisi will be given a starting berth against his former team as he moves into the starting XV at the expense of Nicolaas Hanekom, who moves to the bench.
Mapoe, who will be Mnisi's midfield partner, believed the former Griquas player should be up for the task.
"I'm sure Howard [Mnisi] is going to want to play a good game against Griquas and show them a thing or two and I am happy to have him as my centre partner," he added.
Lions assistant coach Swys de Bruin echoed Mapoe's sentiments and added that it was just reward for his hard work.
A victory for the Lions would increase their chances of claiming a home semifinal with three rounds of matches remaining before the playoffs.
Griquas, on the other hand, will be desperate to move away from the bottom two to avoid having to play in the qualifying competition for next year's Currie Cup.
SAPA
