There are just three changes to the DHL Western Province team to face the Xerox Golden Lions XV at DHL Newlands on Saturday.
There are just three changes to the DHL Western Province team to face the Xerox Golden Lions XV at DHL Newlands on Saturday.
Lock Eduard Zandberg will make his first start as Jurie Van Vuuren shifts across to the flank to replace Jacques Vermeulen who has been ruled out due to a knee injury.
Hooker Mike Willemse returns to claim the No.2 jersey with Chad Solomon moving to the replacements bench, whilst the only change in the backline sees scrumhalf Justin Phillips come in for Godlen Masimla who is recovering from concussion.
Coach John Dobson said that his team cannot wait to take on a strong Xerox Golden Lions team as they look to make it three wins from their first three games this season.
“We are really looking forward to this game. We know it is our toughest challenge so far, Especially seeing how the Lions beat the Vodacom Blue Bulls comfortably last weekend and they have a plethora of experienced Vodacom Super Rugby players,” he said.
The DHL Western Province coach knows that his side will be tested up front, but took plenty of encouragement from the way they stood up to beat the Toyota Free State XV last week.
“It is going to be a big physical challenge for our team, But I am pleased with the progress that we are making as a group. We were not together for long before the tournament and it is nice to see some things starting to work. Other than the last few minutes, there was a lots to be proud of in last Friday’s win against the Toyota Free State XV, detracted a bit by the two late tries we conceded,” he said.
While frustrated by some crucial injuries, Dobson has encouraged his team to go out and embrace the occasion at DHL Newlands.
“I am sorry about the injury to Jacques Vermeulen who was getting better and better, but look forward to having him back. But this does create opportunities for other players I and think we are putting out a very competitive team.
“It will be a good one for us to win, as it is going to be a tough encounter. As I said to the players, what a privilege to play for DHL Western Province at DHL Newlands against a very good rugby team,” he added.
DHL Western Province: 15 Grant Hermanus, 14 Khanyo Ngcukana, 13 Tim Whitehead, 12 Daniel du Plessis, 11 Sibahle Maxwane, 10 Scott van Breda, 9 Justin Phillips, 8 Tertius Daniller, 7 Jurie van Vuuren, 6 Luke Stringer, 5 Chris van Zyl (captain), 4 Eduard Zandberg, 3 JP Smith, 2 Mike Willemse, 1 Alistair Vermaak.
Replacements: 16 Chad Solomon, 17 Kyle Whyte, 18 Meyer Swanepoel, 19 Eital Bredenkamp, 20 Damian Stevens, 21 Berton Klaassen, 22 JP Lewis.
Referee: Rasta Rasivenghe
