Scrumhalf Imad Khan, lock Ruben van Heerden and wing Tom Nel will all make their debut for DHL Western Province in the Currie Cup clash with Windhoek Draught Griquas at DHL Stadium on Saturday.
The match will kick-off at 19h15, following the Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 match between the DHL Stormers and Harlequins, which kicks off at 16h00.
Khan has featured for DHL Western Province through the age-groups and comes into a backline which also has Jean-Luc du Plessis at inside centre and Edward Coulson at fullback. Nel has played for DHL Western Province U20 this season and replaces the injured Duncan Saal on the wing.
Van Heerden will partner Connor Evans in the second row, while there is also an all-new front row of hooker Andre-Hugo Venter and props Kwenzo Blose and Lee-Marvin Mazibuko.
DHL Western Province Head Coach John Dobson said that although the team has been disrupted somewhat by injuries, they would like to make the most of their first chance to play at home this season.
“We have had three tough away games and come away with two wins, so everyone is looking forward to playing at DHL Stadium this weekend.
“Our depth is being tested, particularly in the backline, but we know that every player out there will give his all for the jersey and hopefully we can play some of the rugby that this team is known for,” he said.
DHL Western Province: 15 Edward Coulson, 14 Tom Nel, 13 Juan de Jongh (captain), 12 Jean-Luc du Plessis, 11 Fazeel Robertson, 10 Kade Wolhuter, 9 Imad Khan, 8 Keke Morabe, 7 Junior Pokomela, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Connor Evans, 3 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 2 Andre-Hugo Venter, 1 Kwenzo Blose.
Replacements: 16 Scarra Ntubeni, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Leon Lyons, 19 Dylan de Leeuw, 20 Louwan Horn, 21 Labib Kennemeyer, 22 Bruce Sherwood, 23 Jacques Rousseau.