More heartache for tragedy-stricken Niel Otto as Griquas skipper misses out on historic final

Griquas' historic and heartening march to a first Currie Cup final since 1970 will be tinged with a bit of sadness after it was confirmed that regular skipper Niel Otto will have to sit out Saturday's meeting with the Pumas in Kimberley.

The bustling former Ikeys star failed to recover from the concussion he suffered early in last week's semi-final against the Bulls, compounding a tough fortnight where the 25-year-old's build-up to the brilliant victory over the Bulls at Loftus being soured by the death of his father.

"He went to see a specialist on Tuesday and wasn't cleared," Griquas head coach Pieter Bergh confirmed on Thursday.

"Niel is gutted. It's been tough few weeks for him. His dad passed away last week Wednesday before the semi and he really wanted to dedicated a big performance to him. He wanted to make him proud. 

"Then he got injured early in the Bulls game and now misses out. It's very unfortunate."

Otto's compact, 1.84m frame and immense work ethic has made him an inspirational presence in a team that's gradually become one of the most potent attacking ones in the local game and a pesky presence at the breakdown for the opposition.

His place will be taken by former Bull Werner Gouws, a distinctly more robust and bigger exponent at openside.

"Werner's done really well when he's been given an opportunity. He joined us just before Easter and got his first opportunity in Stellenbosch. He played a part in us winning that game against Province and went from strength to strength there," said Bergh.

"He deserves this chance in Niel's absence."

Meanwhile, the precocious former Varsity Cup-winning Tuks captain Sango Xamlashe takes over the leadership duties, but is distinctly relaxed and grateful for having wise heads around