Wholesale changes for EP Elephants
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Eastern Province Elephants coach Peter de Villiers has named his team to face the Griquas in the Preparation Series match on Wednesday.
The former Springboks coach De Villiers made nine changes following their defeat to the Lions.
Siya Nzuzo (neck), Arnold Kleyn (concussion) and CJ Velleman (concussion) are all unavailable due to injuries, respectively.
Velleman’s absence means that Diego Williams will start at flank, while Mncedisi Dlwengu will take the place of Kleyn at lock and Marzuq Maarman replaces Nzuzo at prop.
The pack will also see Robin Stevens and Lumpumlo Mguca making their way to the starting XV with Sithembiso Befile and Emile Klaassen moving to the bench.
In the backline, captain Courtney Winnaar moves from fullback to flyhalf.
Winnaar was the standout performer during the defeat to the Lions, he replaces Karlo Aspeling.
Keano Vers gets a shot at fullback with Riaan Arends and Christopher Hollis completing the back three.
Richman Gora comes it as the new scrumhalf.
De Villiers’ troops seek their first win over the series following their humiliating defeat to the Bulls and Lions.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas made seven changes to their starting team to face Eastern Province #EPvGRI https://t.co/wYddXHBcnO
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) March 15, 2021
EP Elephants: 15 Keanu Vers, 14 Riaan Arends, 13 Athi Mayinje, 12 Sherwin Slater, 11 Christopher Hollis, 10 Courtney Winnaar (captain), 9 Richman Gora, 8 Zingisa April, 7 Anele Lungisa, 6 Diego Williams, 5 Mncedisi Dlwengu, 4 Athenkosi Khetani, 3 Lumpumlo Mguca, 2 Robins Stevens, 1 Marzuq Maarman.
Replacements: 16 Sithembiso Befile, 17 Lyle Lombard, 18 Emile Klaassen, 19 Ronald Scheckle, 20 Bevin Prinsloo, 21 Athi Manentsa, 22 Josh Alderman, 23 Josiah Twum-Boafo.
Date: Wednesday, March 17
Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
Kick-off: 19.00 (17.00)
Referee: Cwengile Jadezweni
Assistant Referees: Phumzile Mbewu, Sean Muller
TMO: Christie du Preez
