Bok boost for WP ahead of Loftus semifinal

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Western Province head coach John Dobson has revealed his team for Friday's Currie Cup semifinal against the Bulls in Pretoria.

Springbok hooker Scarra Ntubeni will make his return from injury. He comes in as one of two changes to the starting team for the play-off match at Loftus Versfeld.

Both changes are in the front row, with tighthead Sazi Sandi joining Ntubeni up front and Neethling Fouche set to make an impact in the second half from the replacements bench.

Also on the extended replacements bench are hooker Andre-Hugo Venter and fullback Warrick Gelant.

Dobson said that it is fantastic to have some continuity in selection ahead of the semifinal.

"We were pleased with the way the team stood up last week and we will need to show the same pride in the jersey up in Pretoria on Friday, so we are very happy to be going in with most of the same combinations.

"We know that we will have to be accurate in all areas of our game and every player in our matchday squad is ready to give everything they have to get the result we need and book a place in the final," he said.

Western Province: 15 Sergeal Petersen, 14 Ruhan Nel, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Tim Swiel, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Marcel Theunissen, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Johan du Toit, 4 Ernst van Rhyn (captain), 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Leon Lyons.

Replacements - from: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Justin Basson, 20 Nama Xaba, 21 Godlen Masimla, 22 Rikus Pretorius, 23 Tristan Leyds, 24 Warrick Gelant.

Date: Friday, September 3

Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Kick-off: 19.00 (17.00 GMT)

Referee: AJ Jacobs

Assistant Referees: Aimee Barrett-Theron, Cwengile Jadezweni

TMO: Quinton Immelman