WP adds some muscle for Cheetahs visit
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Regular captain Ernst van Rhyn is back in the starting lineup and will lead Western Province when they host the Cheetahs in a Currie Cup clash at Newlands on Saturday.
Van Rhyn will shift the flank in a much-changed pack.
Dian Bleuler and Sazi Sandi join Siyabonga Ntubeni in the front row while Deon Fourie starts at No.8, allowing Evan Roos a break after a number of games on the bounce.
“It’s been a tough season both mentally and physically for the players and I’m hoping that allowing the likes of Neethling Fouche and Evan [Roos] to start on the bench this week will see us finish this match strong,” said WP head coach John Dobson.
“It’s a good opportunity for Dian and Sazi to show what they can do at this level and it’s comforting to know that Siyabonga is there to provide the experience and stability.”
The backline features just a single change as Rikus Pretorius starts at 12 forming a new combination in the midfield with Juan de Jongh.
“I think this is a good matchday squad considering everything that’s been thrown at us and now it’s up to those who have put up their hands in training to translate it into a good 80 minute effort. It’s not going to be easy with the Cheetahs desperate for points but we are determined to secure victory at Newlands,” added Dobson.
Warrick Gelant is once again fit enough to take his place on the bench with Godlen Masimla and Dan du Plessis the options in the second half.
Western Province: 15 Sergeal Petersen, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Juan De Jongh, 12 Rikus Pretorius, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Tim Swiel, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Deon Fourie, 7 Ernst van Rhyn (captain), 6 Nama Xaba, 5 David Meihuizen, 4 JD Schickerling, 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 Siyabonga Ntubeni, 1 Dian Bleuler.
Replacements: 16 Leon Lyons, 17 JJ Kotze, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Johan du Toit, 20 Evan Roos, 21 Godlen Masimla, 22 Dan du Plessis, 23 Warrick Gelant.
Date: Saturday, August 7
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Kick-off: 14:30 (12.30 GMT)
Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge
Assistant referees: Local appointments
TMO: Egon Seconds.