Peverett returns to lead Stellenbosch
Maties squad captain Cameron Peverett will make his first start of the 2010 Varsity Cup season when the defending champions travel to Potchefstroom for their final league match of the year against FNB Pukke.
The FNB Maties, gunning for a first-ever unbeaten league season, have announced a strong starting line-up for their trip to the Fanie du Toit Stadium - despite losing a few players to the Western Province Vodacom Cup squad.
The return of Peverett, however, is just the boost for the back-to-back champs who edged out UCT 23-17 in Stellenbosch earlier this week and he told varsitycup.co.za: "It's been a bit tough watching the guys play such good rugby in my absence and I'm very excited about my first start.
"Any rugby player just wants to play - I'm no different and I cannot wait for Monday."
Peverett will head up a new-look loose trio, with Josh Strauss earning yet another start - after impressing so much against Tuks in Week Five - and Sam Mabombo getting one more opportunity to book a place in the Stellenbosch 23 for the semifinals later this month.
Maties coach Chean Roux has made a few adjustments to his tight five, with Marinus Pretorius starting ahead of Monday's Man of the Match Andrew Prior in the No.4 shirt and Andrew Crausaz - the reserve hooker this season - showing his versatility by starting at tighthead prop this week.
* The Maties and the Pukke have met three times in the Varsity Cup; with Stellenbosch winning two to Pukke's one.
The Pukke beat the Men in Maroon in the 2008 season - winning 31-24 in Potchefstroom - but Stellenbosch won both of last season's encounters, including the 2009 final at the Danie Craven Stadium.
The FNB Maties team: 15 Adnaan Oesman, 14 Wilhelm Loock, 13 Danie Poolman, 12 Charl Weideman, 11 Jonathan Francke, 10 André Kemp, 9 Johan Laker, 8 Cameron Peverett (captain), 7 Sam Mabombo, 6 Josh Strauss, 5 Hugo Kloppers, 4 Marinus Pretorius, 3 Andrew Crausaz, 2 Matthew Dobson, 1 Johan Roets.
Replacements: 16 Gareth Light, 17 Suan Havenga, 18 Andrew Prior, 19 Jonathan Adendorf, 20 Johan Herbst, 21 Hayden Groepes, 22 Tythan Adams, 23 Lourens Adriaanse.
Head coach: Chean Roux
Date: Monday, March 15
Venue: Fanie du Toit Stadium
Kick-off: 4.30pm (Live on SuperSport One)
Referee: Ben Crouse