The EP Elephants have named their squad for their SA Cup Round 6 encounter against Griquas, set for Friday, April 11, 2025, at Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00, and Coach Allister Coetzee has made minimal changes to the 23 that secured a 26-17 bonus-point victory over the Leopards last weekend.
Coming off their first home win of the season, where they scored four tries to claim five points, the Elephants are eager to build on their attacking momentum. However, Coetzee has called for a significant improvement after labeling the Leopards game as their “worst performance to date”. He emphasized the need for a sharper performance against Griquas, who have been a formidable force in the competition. “We’ve had a short turnaround, and we’ve had to put the Leopards game behind us,” he said. “Griquas are in form, and this will be a big test for our physicality and set-piece accuracy. Our attacking intent has been pleasing, but we need to be more disciplined and execute our game plan for the full 80 minutes. The players know they’ll have to pitch up for this one.”
The EP Elephants squad is led once again by Stefan Willemse, with Laken Gray stepping into the starting lineup at flanker and Hannes Huisamen dropping to the bench. Vice-captain Sherwin Slater continues to anchor the backline, while Davian Swanepoel earns a start on the wing, replacing JD Jooste. CJ Velleman, on loan from Western Province, remains a key figure in the forward pack.
The starting XV is as follows:
1. Siyakubonga Nzuzo
2. Deon Plaatjies
3. Zukisa Sali
4. JJ Scheepers
5. Stefan Willemse (C)
6. CJ Velleman
7. Laken Gray
8. Athi Manentsa
9. Shirwin Cupido
10. Chris Humphries
11. Davian Swanepoel
12. Troy Delport
13. Sherwin Slater
14. Rodney Damons
15. Jaden Bantom
The replacements are:
16. Masikane Mazwi
17. Arno Gustafson
18. Duncan du Buisson
19. Hannes Huisamen
20. Diego Williams
21. Wayne Ngubane
22. Chadywn November
23. Liqhawe Mokuena / Enrique Franks
Interesting EP Stats from the Competition Thus Far:
- Christian Humphreys (Eastern Province) is second on the leaderboard for most points scored – 50
- Christian Humphries (Eastern Province) is the leading penalty goal scorer – 8
Match Information:
Suzuki Griquas vs Eastern Province
Date: Friday, 11 April
Venue: Suzuki Stadium, Kimberley
Kick-off: 15h00
Referee: Griffin Colby
TV: SuperSport channel 248
Border Bulldogs vs Sanlam Boland Kavaliers
Date: Saturday, 12 April
Venue: Police Park, East London
Kick-off: 15h00
Referee: Jonathan Lottering
Leopards vs Airlink Pumas
Date: Saturday, 12 April
Venue: Olën Park, Potchefstroom
Kick-off: 15h00
Referee: Stephan Geldenhuys
Toyota Cheetahs vs Phangela SWD Eagles
Date: Saturday, 19 April
Venue: Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein
Kick-off: 15h00
Referee: Eon van Zyl
Valke vs NovaVit Griffons
Date: Saturday, 12 April
Venue: Barnard Stadium, Kempton Park
Kick-off: 15h00
Referee: Christopher Allison
