John Dobson has bolstered the DHL Western Province lineup with several DHL Stormers stars for Sunday’s Currie Cup match against the Pumas in Stellenbosch.
Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok will make his WP debut along with three other players at the Danie Craven Stadium in the penultimate round of this year’s edition of rugby’s oldest competition.
Libbok starts and forms a new halfback partnership with scrumhalf Imad Khan, while two-time Bok world champion Steven Kitshoff slots in at No 1 alongside JJ Kotze and Corne Weilbach in a powerful front row.
Outside centre Wandisile Simelane will link up with the fleet-footed Damian Markus in midfield, while teenager Gino Cupido switches to left winger after an impressive performance at 13 against the Sharks XV at Cape Town Stadium last week.
Hooker Joseph Dweba and loose forward Dave Ewers, who recently joined on a short-term deal, are poised to make their maiden appearance for WP off the bench.
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Adre Smith makes a welcome return from injury and will partner Gary Porter in the second row, with fellow lock Ruben van Heerden named among the replacements.
Willie Engelbrecht leads the team, and the veteran shifts to the side of the scrum with Divan Fuller packing down at No 8. Blindside flanker Hendre Stassen completes the loose trio.
Former WP Craven Week and SA Schools star Brian le Roux, meanwhile, is in line to make his senior debut if called upon as a substitute.
Dobson is thrilled to have a few senior players coming into the WP side for what is expected to be an exciting match in the Winelands.
“It is fantastic to see the likes of Manie Libbok, Joseph Dweba and Dave Ewers making their debut in the blue and white hoops, while Steven Kitshoff, Adre Smith and Ruben van Heerden will all strengthen us up front as well,” the director of rugby said.
“It will be tough against a Pumas side that is always highly motivated and we are looking forward to what should be a great match at the Danie Craven Stadium.”
WP – 15 Luke Burger, 14 Courtnall Skosan, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Damian Markus, 11 Gino Cupido, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Imad Khan, 8 Divan Fuller, 7 Hendre Stassen, 6 Willie Engelbrecht, 5 Gary Porter, 4 Adre Smith, 3 Corne Weilbach, 2 JJ Kotze, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Subs: 16 Joseph Dweba, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Brian le Roux, 19 Ruben van Heerden, 20 Dave Ewers, 21 Sibusiso Sangweni, 22 Dewaldt Duvenage, 23 Jurie Matthee.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
