Head coach John Dobson has made several alterations to the Western Province team for their Currie Cup clash against the Pumas in Nelspruit on Sunday.
Hooker Scarra Ntubeni has returned from the Springbok camp and moves straight into the starting lineup. Joining Ntubeni in the front row will be Sazi Sandi, who bumps Neethling Fouche to the bench.
The only other change in the pack sees Johan du Toit replace Marcel Theunissen, who played flank against the Cheetahs on Wednesday.
“Scarra’s return has come at a very welcome time for us,” Dobson said.
“Obviously, he brings about his wealth of experience and of course, some fresh legs which is an added boost. I’m looking forward to seeing this front row combination in action because it was time to rest Neethling after a few yeoman performances for the team. It’s a great time to give Sazi game time.”
There is a new halfback combination for Sunday’s clash with Paul de Wet and young flyhalf Chris Schreuder starting in tandem.
Dobson also included Dan du Plessis at inside centre after he overcame an injury niggle. The rest of the backline that faced the Cheetahs in midweek remains unchanged.
“We are looking forward to another tough test on the road. Our intensity over the past week is admirable and we are looking to showing the Faithful more of it on Sunday,” added Dobson.
Sunday’s match against the Pumas kicks off at 1pm.
Western Province – 15 Sergeal Petersen, 14 Tristan Leyds, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Chris Schreuder, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Johan du Toit, 6 Nama Xaba, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Ernst van Rhyn (c), 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Leon Lyons.
Subs: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Justin Basson, 20 Simon Miller, 21 Godlen Masimla, 22 Tim Swiel, 23 Leolin Zas, 24 JJ Kotze, 25 Cornel Smit, 26 Sacha Mngomezulu.
Photo: Shaun Roy/Gallo Images
