Centre Ethan James will captain DHL Western Province U20 in their encounter with the defending champion Lions U20 in Johannesburg on Friday.

The replay of last year’s final will kick off at 13h00 on Friday at Emirates Airline Park as DHL Western Province look to make it three consecutive wins this season.

James is joined by wings Paschal Ekeji and Masande Mtshali as the only changes to the backline that did duty in the win against Vodacom Bulls U20 last week.

In the forward pack Francois Breytenbach gets an opportunity at hooker, while Hendrik Sieberhagen shifts to lock with Ethan Snyman and Jan Gouws coming into the loose trio.

DHL Western Province U20 Head Coach Labeeb Levy said that his team know they will have to raise their standards even further if they are to continue their winning start to the campaign.

“A lunchtime kick-off at Emirates Airline Park means this will be a big challenge, but it is one that the players are embracing.

“We are looking forward to seeing what some of the players coming in can offer as we look for another big away win,” he said.

DHL Western Province U20: 15 Luke Burger, 14 Masande Mtshali, 13 Ethan James, 12 Hofmeyr Retief, 11 Paschal Ekeji, 10 Sacha Mngomezulu, 9 FC Fourie, 8 Ethan Snyman, 7 Jan Gouws, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Hendrik Sieberhagen, 4 Daniel Louw, 3 Corne Weilbach, 2 Francois Breytenbach, 1 Lamla Nunu.
Replacements: 16 Nande Moses, 17 Yannick Marais, 18 Liam Sproston, 19 Jan-Daniel Cilliers, 20 Carlos da Costa, 21 Jacques Theron, 22 Jonathan Roche, 23 Melbirt van der Spuy.