Varsity Cup-winning Tuks captain Dillon Smith is set to make his Griquas debut.
The No 8 has been named in the starting lineup for Friday’s Toyota Challenge clash against Romania A in Bloemfontein.
Smith is one of five debutants selected by the Currie Cup champions as they begin their campaign in the expanded tournament.
This year’s Toyota Challenge pits the Cheetahs, Griquas and Pumas against Portuguese side Lusitanos, Romania A and Georgia’s Black Lion.
Smith, who captained Tuks to a dominant 31-3 win over the NWU Eagles in the Varsity Cup final in April, earned a Griquas call-up following injuries to Gustav Erlank and Phumzile Maqondwana.
“I’m really looking forward to it and excited to get an opportunity to play,” Smith told OFM Sport.
“I was pretty ecstatic when I got the call. As a Varsity Cup player, you always hope an opportunity like this comes your way.”
Smith will make his debut against a Romania A side featuring several players with Test experience.
“It’s a massive privilege competing against players who operate at a high level,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to testing myself against them.”
ALSO: Cheetahs face Portuguese challenge
Toyota Challenge fixtures
Friday, 5 June
1:30pm: Pumas vs Black Lion
2:30pm: Griquas vs Romania A
6pm: Cheetahs vs Portugal
Wednesday, 10 June
1:30pm: Griquas vs Black Lion
2:30pm: Pumas vs Portugal
6pm: Cheetahs vs Romania A
Sunday, 14 June
12pm: Griquas vs Portugal
2pm: Pumas vs Romania A
4:30pm: Cheetahs vs Black Lion
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
The post Tuks skipper gets Griquas shot appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Varsity Cup-winning Tuks captain Dillon Smith is set to make his Griquas debut.
The post Tuks skipper gets Griquas shot appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
