DHL Western Province coach John Dobson has been forced to make some changes to his team for their Currie Cup Qualifying clash with South Western Districts Eagles at City Park on Saturday.
DHL Western Province coach John Dobson has been forced to make some changes to his team for their Currie Cup Qualifying clash with South Western Districts Eagles at City Park on Saturday.
A number of call-ups to the DHL Stormers touring squad in Australia have meant that Dobson has had to shuffle his resources as his team go in search of their 10th win from 11 games this season.
DHL Western Province Under-19 will face Golden Lions U19 in a curtain-raiser at 14h15, before the Currie Cup Qualifier kicks off at 16h00 with entry R20 at the gate.
In the front row prop Wesley Chetty makes his first appearance of the season, with Kyle Whyte shifting across to the tighthead side.
David Ribbans makes his first start at lock since his return from injury, and in the loose trio Luke Stringer shifts across to the blindside with Beyers de Villiers getting an opportunity to start at openside flank.
In the backline Tim Whitehead partners EW Viljoen in midfield, with Johnny Kotze moving out to the right wing and Sibahle Maxwane coming in on the left wing.
Dobson said that despite the disruptions, it is vital that his team continue the winning momentum that they have built up in recent weeks.
“All of the players coming in this week have what it takes, so it is important that we gel quickly as a unit.
“If we want to go on to win this competition, then we have to make the most of home games like this one, although we are up against a dangerous SWD side,” he said.
DHL Western Province: 15 Grant Hermanus, 14 Johnny Kotze, 13 EW Viljoen, 12 Tim Whitehead, 11 Sibahle Maxwane, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Godlen Masimla, 8 Kobus van Dyk, 7 Luke Stringer, 6 Beyers de Villiers, 5 Chris van Zyl (captain), 4 David Ribbans, 3 Kyle Whyte, 2 Chad Solomon, 1 Wes Chetty.
Replacements: 16 Cullen Collopy, 17 Christo van Wyk, 18 Jurie van Vuuren, 19 Dale Wilson, 20 Eital Bredenkamp, 21 Jano Vermaak, 22 Dennis Cox.