Rayn Smid and Devon Williams have been restored to the DHL Western Province starting line-up for Friday night’s Vodacom Cup quarterfinal clash against the Pumas at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit (kick-off 19h10).
Smid has been out of action for some time with a broken hand, whilst Williams returns from a highly-promising start to his Super Rugby career with the DHL Stormers.
Fit-again Smid – who has scored five tries this season – will start at No.8 in place of Carel du Preez, with Williams – the scorer of nine tries so far in 2014 – lining up at fullback in place of young Robert du Preez who will start Friday evening’s knockout game from the bench.
In all, head coach John Dobson has made seven changes from last week – when DHL WP went down 14-23 to the SWD Eagles in George – with Lihleli Xoli, Johnny Kotze, Dylon Frylinck, Neil Rautenbach and Alistair Vermaak all starting this week.
“It’s been a short but good week. The few days we spent at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport were most beneficial and I am pleased with the team we could announce.
“It was tough leaving some really good players who have stood us in good stead behind, but it’s good that we are getting a bit more depth as we hit the sharp-end of this tournament.
“It’s great to welcome back returning players like Johnny Kotze, Ally Vermaak and Rayn Smid – all of whom are frontliners,” Dobson told www.wprugby.com.
“I am sorry that Tiger Bax did not pass his fitness test, but that is offset by the return of Devon Williams who will give us additional strike-force from the fullback position.”
The likes of Frylinck (scrumhalf) and Vermaak (loosehead prop) have also been regulars throughout 2014, but Xoli (left-wing) and Rautenbach (hooker) will make their senior starting debuts in what should be a titanic battle against the in-form hosts and losing 2013 Vodacom Cup finalists.
“The truth is that it’s our fault that we are on a plane this week and not at (home at) DHL Newlands, but we also are looking forward to playing on that surface and conditions as opposed to the slippery encounter of last week. We think the conditions suit our game,” said Dobson, who has also opted for a five/two split between forwards and backs on his bench.
“The reality too is that if you want to win the Vodacom Cup you have to beat the Pumas in Nelspruit. They have a great record, but I have a good feeling about this one. We have had a tough season using a lot of players and suffering various disruptions, but I really feel that we are coming together nicely now.
“Hopefully we can play some Province rugby to delight the Faithful and upset the favourites in their own backyard. We know our patron (former WP player) Tinus Linee will be watching – we’re desperate to make him – and the union – proud.”
The DHL Western Province team for Friday (v the Pumas – kick-off 19h10) is as follows:
15. Devon Williams
14. JP Lewis
13. Johnny Kotze
12. Michael van der Spuy
11. Lihleli Xoli
10. Gary van Aswegen
9. Dylon Frylinck
8. Rayn Smid
7. Sikhumbuzo Notshe
6. Rohan Kitshoff (captain)
5. Jan de Klerk
4. Tazz Fuzani
3. Entienne Swanepoel
2. Neil Rautenbach
1. Alistair Vermaak
Replacements:
16. Michael Willemse
17. Sti Sithole
18. Deacon Chowles
19. Jan Uys
20. Eital Bredenkamp
21. Jean Nel
22. Robert du Preez
Referee: Stephan Geldenhuys
