Western Province coach John Dobson has been forced to make several changes to the starting lineup for Friday’s clash against Griquas in Kimberley.
With Scarra Ntubeni, Wilco Louw, Siya Kolisi and Dillyn Leyds having been called up to the Springbok squad, Dobson has lost key members of the leadership group for what is likely to be a tough encounter against the men from Kimberley.
In the front row, Carlu Sadie comes in for Wilco Louw with Chad Solomon taking Ntubeni’s place in the starting line-up. After being named on the bench last week, Salmaan Moerat gets a start at lock alongside captain Chris van Zyl.
JD Shickerling returns to the blindside flank position with Ernst van Rhyn filling in on the other side of the scrum in place of Kolisi, who featured in last week’s victory over the Pumas.
The only change to the backline sees SP Marais return from injury to start in the No 15 jersey with Damian Willemse, who has been out of action since June, named among the replacements.
Also on the bench is formers SA U20 hooker Schalk Erasmus, who is likely to make his debut for Western Province. Paul de Wet is also back amongst the reserves to provides scrumhalf cover in place of Godlen Masimla.
Western Province – 15 SP Marais, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan Kriel, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Josh Stander, 9 Justin Phillips, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 JD Schickerling, 6 Ernst van Rhyn, 5 Chris van Zyl, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Chad Solomon, 1 Corne Fourie.
Subs: 16 Schalk Erasmus, 17 Kwenzo Blose, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 David Meihuizen, 20 Nama Xaba, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Damian Willemse, 23 Edwill van der Merwe
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
