Hoffman, who only missed the quarterfinal against the Lions, takes the place of the SA under 20 stalwart Gerrit-Jan van Velze who will be on the bench.

The specialist lineout jumper and one of the Blue Bulls' brightest starts in this year's Vodacom Cup, Fudge Mabeta, will however not be able to play against the team from Kimberley after he twisted his ankle quite badly.

Mabeta, who was described by coach Nico Serfontein at the Wednesday press conference as a master in the lineouts under the new laws, will be replaced by the former Matie Juandré Kruger.

On the bench James van der Walt had to make room for the SA under 19 hooker Henri Bantjes and in Hilton Lobberts the Bulls will be in the privilege position to have a Springbok on the bench that can be used as an impact player.

Serfontein expects a very tough physical onslaught from the Griquas and he says the fact that they are a Currie Cup side that has been together for quite some time will give then an added advantage.

"I am sure they will try to bully our young players and if I was in their position I would have done the same. They have a number of experienced players that has been around the block a few times, but they can be sure we will be up for the challenge."

The match against the Griquas kicks off at 12:00 on Saturday and the ticket office at Loftus will be open on Thursday as well as Friday from 8:00 – 16:00.

Vodacom Blue Bulls: Tiger Mangweni ©; John Mametsa, Braam Gerber, Ruan Boshoff, Rocco Jansen; Burton Francis, JP Joubert; Carel Hoffman ©, Vincent Gwavu, Okkie Kruger, Juandré Kruger, Hendrik Roodt, Dean Greyling, Brett Sharman, Rassie Van Vuuren. Reserves: Henri Bantjes, Frik Kirsten, Gerrit-Jan van Velze, Hilton Lobberts, Ruan Snyman, Stefan Watermeyer, Stephan Dippenaar.