An experimental DHL Western Province selection will travel to Oudtshoorn this weekend to face the SWD Eagles in a friendly clash.

Saturday’s match will be played at Bridgton (kick-off 16h00) and coach John Dobson has assembled an exciting line-up – consisting of Vodacom Cup players and some talented youngsters – for the trip.

Pat Howard is one of 12 players with Vodacom Cup experience in the starting line-up, with four members of the 2013 Vodacom Cup squad starting from the bench.

The powerfully-built Howard will start at inside centre, alongside Berton Klaasen, with Mike van der Spuy wearing the No.10 jersey and Godlen Masimla starting at scrumhalf.

Talented lock Jean Kleyn is back from a knee injury and he will pack down alongside Taz Fuzani in the second row, whilst youngsters Craig Pheiffer, Chevandre van Schoor, Freddie Kirsten, Entienne Swanepoel and JP Lewis will all get a chance to show their wares in this friendly clash.

“This is an exciting team – a strong core of this selection will be available to us during the Under-21 season, so it gives an early glimpse at their talents in a match situation,” said Dobson.

“There is also another (friendly) match against the Lions in Johannesburg next weekend, so some of these players can use this game to press for selection (for that game).”

The DHL Western Province selection to take on the SWD Eagles (friendly):

15. Tim Swiel
14. Craig Pheiffer
13. Berton Klaasen
12. Pat Howard
11. Chevandre van Schoor
10. Mike van der Spuy
9. Godlen Masimla
8. Carel du Preez
7. Ryan Olivier
6. Cobus Nel
5. Jean Kleyn
4. Taz Fuzani
3. Tjoppie Ferreira
2. Stephan Coetzee
1. Ashley Wells

Reserves:
16. Freddie Kirsten
17. Entienne Swanepoel
18. Graham Knoop
19. Sikhumbuzo Notshe
20. Bolla Conradie
21. JP Lewis

22. Kobus van Wyk