Get Newsletter

Rested Pumas change just one

The Pumas, coming off a much-needed bye, host Griquas at Nelspruit's Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.

ADVERTISEMENT

Hooker Marko Janse van Rensburg regains his place in the Starting XV, with Frankie Herne being moved to the bench once again.

Many of the first-choice players were in much need of both physical and emotional rest, which was evident in the encounter with the Cheetahs a fortnight ago.

Flank Francois Kleinhans has also been recalled after a few weeks rest and with little game time recently, will start from the bench.

The Pumas can still qualify for the play-offs if they win both the remaining fixtures with bonus points.

In stark contrast, if they lose both they will finish last on the standings.

The fine balance of their kicking game, their attack and defence deserted them against the Cheetahs and it proved costly.

ADVERTISEMENT

They have beaten the Griquas away from home in Round One and have to regain that form.

Pumas: 15 Justin van Staden, 14 Jerome Pretorius, 13 Gerrit Smit, 12 Hennie Skorbinski (captain), 11 Ruwellyn Isbell, 10 Kobus Marais, 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Willie Engelbrecht, 7 Thembelani Bholi, 6 Brian Shabangu, 5 Hugo Kloppers, 4 Stefan Willemse, 3 Pieter Scholtz, 2 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 1 Kwezi Mona.

Replacements: 16 Frankie Herne, 17 De-Jay Terblanche, 18 Cameron Lindsay, 19 Hilton Lobberts, 20 Francois Kleinhans, 21 Theo Maree/Reynier van Rooyen, 22 Selom Gavor.

Date: Saturday, October 7

Venue: Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit

Kick-off: 14.00 (12.00 GMT)

Referee: Quinton Immelman

Assistant referees: Ricus van der Hoven, Des van Wyk

TMO: Willie Vos

Join free

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 6

Sam Warburton | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Japan Rugby League One | Sungoliath v Eagles | Full Match Replay

Japan Rugby League One | Spears v Wild Knights | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 10 | Six Nations Final Round Review

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | How can New Zealand rugby beat this Ireland team

Beyond 80 | Episode 5

Rugby Europe Men's Championship Final | Georgia v Portugal | Full Match Replay

Write A Comment