Province keep winning formula

Western Province coach Allister Coetzee named an unchanged line-up for Saturday's top-of-the-log Currie Cup clash with the Golden Lions at Newlands.

Hookers Tiaan Liebenberg (back injury) and Siyabonga Ntubeni (calf muscle strain) remain sidelined.

It means Stephan Coetzee continues in the No.2 jersey, with Neil Rautenbach again warming the bench.

Centre Juan de Jongh continues to lead the team, having led WP to wins over the Eastern Province Kings (away) and the Blue Bulls (home) thus far, with tighthead prop Pat Cilliers serving as his vice-captain once again.

Province and the Lions met on three occasions in last year's Currie Cup, with the team in Blue & White hoops winning both matches at Newlands and the teams playing to an exciting 31-all draw in Johannesburg.

"The Lions represent a big test for us as they're not scared to have a go with ball in hand, even from their own goalline," Coetzee said.

"I'd say they're the overall favourites in the Currie Cup. They're the pace-setters, they have a good set-piece and, like I said, they're not scared to attack from anywhere.

"Yes, we are also unbeaten so far, but I'd like to see us become a bit more consistent - especially if you want to become the tournament pace-setters. You can't have any so-called 'soft' moments in your game."

Western Province: 15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Juan de Jongh (captain), 12 Michael van der Spuy, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Demetri Catrakilis, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Michael Rhodes, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Manuel Carizza, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Pat Cilliers, 2 Stephan Coetzee, 1 Alistair Vermaak.

Replacements: 16 Neil Rautenbach, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Ruan Botha, 19 Rynhardt Elstadt, 20 Louis Schreuder, 21 Kurt Coleman, 22 Jaco Taute.

Date: Saturday, August 23

Venue: Newlands, Cape Town

Kick-off: 17.05 (15.05 GMT)

Referee: Craig Joubert

Assistant referees: Christie du Preez, Marc van Zyl

TMO: Deon van Blommestein