The change in captaincy follows Johan de Bruin’s decision to sign for the Valke as part of their Currie Cup (B section) contingent.

“We have lost a great captain and tight forward in Johan, but our best wishes accompany him in his quest to also excel at provincial level. It was decided that Shaun is the most logical choice to take over the captaincy for the remainder of the season,” said Grobler.

De Bruin played his last game for Tuks I when they beat Eersterust 94-0 on Friday, 29 May.

“Shaun is still injured and will therefor not take up his new responsibility on Saturday (6 June when Tuks play Brits in their first match in the Carlton Cup second round). We hope he will be ready for the match against Eersterust on 20 June,” said Grobler.

In David’s absence prop Ettienne Breytenbach will captain the side. He played in his 50th match for Tuks I on 29 May.

“Ettienne has been appointed as club captain as has Coenie (versatile loose forward Coenraad Pieterse) as vice-captain. Coenie is on the injury list as well, but should make his come back on 20 June,” explained Grobler.

On his expectations for Tuks’ in the Carlton Cup second round, Grobler said they will not be looking for big scores, but rather to play like they train.

“We had a very good first round, but that is water under the bridge now. In the second round we have to improve on everything to keep our noses clean: from intensity and tempo to employing the most constructive game plan in the league,” said Grobler.

The team to play Eersterust (LC de Villiers Stadium, kick-off 16:00) is:

Fanie Booysen; Hein Pretorius, Gerhard van der Merwe, Bennie Bester, Pieter Gothan; Louis Boshoff, Wesleigh Marais; Quinton Skewes, Louis van Biljon, Danie Crous, Erich van der Westhuizen, Devin Oosthuizen, Danie Oosthuizen, Kurt Haupt, Ettienne Breytenbach. REPLACEMENTS: Chris Crous, Jacques Botha, Jo Walters, Gert Lubbe, Willoughby Bloem, Donnovan Marais, Aaron Denenga.