Head coach Allister Coetzee has named an unchanged line-up for Saturday’s top-of-the-log Absa Currie Cup clash between DHL Western Province and the Xerox Golden Lions at DHL Newlands (kick-off 17:05 SA Time).
Hookers Tiaan Liebenberg (back) and Scarra Ntubeni (calf muscle) remain sidelined, meaning Stephan Coetzee continues in the No 2 jersey with Neil Rautenbach again warming the bench.
Centre Juan de Jongh continues to lead the team, having led DHL WP to wins over the EP Kings (away) and the Blue Bulls (home) thus far, with tighthead prop Pat Cilliers serving as his vice-captain once again.
Province and the Lions met on three occasions in last year’s Absa Currie Cup, with the team in Blue & White hoops winning both matches at DHL Newlands and the teams playing to an exciting 31-31 draw in Johannesburg.
DHL Western Province coach Coetzee told www.wprugby.com: “The Lions represent a big test for us as they’re not scared to have a go with ball in hand, even from their own goalline.”
“I’d say they’re the overall favourites in the Absa Currie Cup. They’re the pace-setters, they have a good set-piece and, like I said, they’re not scared to attack from anywhere.”
“Yes, we are also unbeaten so far, but I’d like to see us become a bit more consistent… especially if you want to become the tournament pace-setters. (So) you can’t have any so-called ‘soft’ moments in your game.”
Saturday’s action gets underway at 12:45, with the DHL WP Under 19’s in action against the Lions Under 19’s, before the DHL WP Under 21 team takes on the Lions Under 21’s – also in a top-of-the-table match-up – at 14:45.
DHL WP: 15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Juan de Jongh (Captain), 12 Michael van der Spuy, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Demetri Catrakilis, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Michael Rhodes, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Manuel Carizza, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Pat Cilliers (Vice-captain), 2 Stephan Coetzee, 1 Alistair Vermaak
Replacements: 16 Neil Rautenbach, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Ruan Botha, 19 Rynhardt Elstadt, 20 Louis Schreuder, 21 Kurt Coleman, 22 Jaco Taute.
Referee: Craig Joubert
Assistant Referees: Christie du Preez, Marc van Zyl
TMO: Deon van Blommestein