GWK Griquas

Griquas are holding their breath over the availability of three key players ahead of their Currie Cup clash against Western Province at GWK Park in Kimberley on Saturday.

Centre Barry Geel, fullback Rudi Vogt and hooker Ryno Barnes were injured in their 23-20 upset win over the Free State Cheetahs on Saturday.

Sport24

Geel sustained a heavy knock to the head, while Vogt badly dislocated one of his fingers. Barnes is struggling with a rib injury.

Losing these three will be a big setback for the men from Kimberley, as all three have been pivotal for the peacock-blues this season.

Geel has been instrumental in the midfield, while Vogt’s goal-kicking has been deadly, and losing the experienced Barnes is sure to spark a crisis at hooker.

Their other front-line No 2, Matt Dobson, is still out with an injured hand, which would leave Simon Westraadt as the only recognised hooker. Coach Abré Minnie may then need to look elsewhere for a competent No 2.

“There’s still uncertainty about all of the injured players’ availability. Barry (Geel) is currently being evaluated, while X-ray’s of Rudi’s (Vogt) hand will show how he is doing,” Minnie told the Volksblad newspaper.

Griquas did, however, also receive some good news. Eightman Leon Karemaker – a former WP junior player – could be ready to face his old province. Karemaker has recovered from a shoulder injury and could be considered for the clash on Saturday.