Loose forward Sikhumbuzo Notshe and utility back Justin Geduld will make their first Absa Currie Cup starts for DHL Western Province in Saturday’s home fixture against Griquas (kick-off 15h00).
Notshe will wear the No.6 jersey at DHL Newlands in the absence of injured loose forward colleague Siya Kolisi, whilst SA Sevens star Geduld will start on the left-wing as part of the five changes to the DHL WP team this week.
Kolisi (knees) and hooker Stephan Coetzee (ankle) both miss out after picking up injuries in last Saturday’s 33-35 loss to the Golden Lions at Ellis Park, whilst flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis, tighthead prop Brok Harris and hooker Scarra Ntubeni all move into starting roles – from the bench – this week.
Harris rotates again with squad vice-captain Pat Cilliers, who drops down to the bench where he will be joined by fellow prop – and Absa Currie Cup debutant – Oliver Kebble, who is back to full fitness after picking up an ankle injury during Super Rugby.
DHL WP coach Allister Coetzee told www.wprugby.com: “We’ve made more changes than we would’ve liked, but injuries have forced our hand a bit this week.
“I’m very happy for Justin and Notshe who will be making their first Absa Currie Cup starts after very useful contributions off the bench last week. We have every bit of confidence in their abilities and look forward to seeing how they adapt to starting roles.”
Coetzee, meanwhile, also explained his thinking behind naming a five/two bench (in terms of the split behind between forwards and backs) for the Round Seven clash against the Men from Kimberley.
“We might need to go this route (a five/two split on the bench) later in the Absa Currie Cup, so we thought it would be a good opportunity to test it out at DHL Newlands this weekend.
“We will be able to see how it goes against a forward-orientated team like Griquas, whilst it’s also a nice chance for us to get Oli Kebble back into the mix and into a playing role.”
DHL WP: 15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Juan de Jongh (Captain), 12 Jaco Taute, 11. Justin Geduld, 10 Demetri Catrakilis, 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Michael Rhodes, 6 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Brok Harris, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Alistair Vermaak
Replacements: 16 Neil Rautenbach, 17 Oliver Kebble (On Currie Cup debut), 18 Pat Cilliers, 19 Manuel Carizza, 20 Rohan Kitshoff, 21 Godlen Masimla, 22 Kurt Coleman.
Referee: Lesego ‘Pro’ Legoete
Assistant Referees: Marius van der Westhuizen, Marc van Zyl
TMO: Shaun Veldsman