Cilliers returns for WP

Western Province coach Allister Coetzee has made one change for his team's tough assignment against the Pumas in Nelspruit on Friday night.

Vice-captain Pat Cilliers returns to the starting XV at tighthead prop in place of Brok Harris who moves to the bench which sees Oli Kebble missing out altogether.

Scrumhalf Nic Groom and utility back Michael van der Spuy will join Harris on the bench this week as Coetzee reverts to a more traditional four/three split (forwards/backs) amongst his replacements.

The return of Groom sees Godlen Masimla dropping out of the matchday squad.

"The Pumas are unbeaten at the Mbombela Stadium this season, so it will be a tough challenge for us but one we’re looking forward to.

"The challenge is to win away from home in the Currie Cup - especially after slipping up in Johannesburg two weeks ago – and we need to show the same kind of intensity and accuracy that we showed in the first half against Griquas, but for 80-plus minutes," he said.

WP currently occupy first position on the 2014 Currie Cup table, having amassed 29 points from seven games while the Pumas are in fourth position, picking up four wins in their 19 points haul.

Western Province: 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 Pat Cilliers, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Alistair Vermaak.

Replacements: 16 Neil Rautenbach, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Manuel Carizza, 19 Rohan Kitshoff, 20 Nic Groom, 21 Kurt Coleman, 22 Michael van der Spuy.

Date: Friday, September 26

Venue: Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit

Kick-off: 19.00 (17.00 GMT)

Referee: Jaco van Heerden

Assistant referees: Christie du Preez, Stefan Breytenbach