P Divvy and Elephants get a massive boost
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Inny Radebe is back at flyhalf and will lead Eastern Province in their final 2021 preparation series match, against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Sunday
Radebe’s return is a surprise as he was expected to be ruled out for the rest of the series after picking up a hand injury in their opening clash against the Bulls.
As a result, Courtney Winnaar moves back to fullback with head coach Peter de Villiers forced to make a number of changes as players in the EP squad are struggling with injury and illness.
Josia Twum-Boafo (left wing) and Ethan Jantjies (scrumhalf) will start this weekend, while the Elephants also welcome back the experienced CJ Velleman, who is back on the side of the scrum in the No 6 shirt.
In another interesting change, Marzuq Maarman moves from loosehead to tighthead prop, while Siya Nzuzo will start in the No.1 jersey.
Sunday’s match at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 15h00 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport, with Rasta Rasivhenge the man in the middle.
Eastern Province: 15 Courtney Winnaar, 14 Xolela Payi, 13 Athi Mayinye, 12 Sherwin Slater, 11 Josia Twum-Boafo, 10 Inny Radebe (captain), 9 Ethan Jantjies, 8 Luigy van Jaarsveld, Anele Lungisa, 6 CJ Velleman, 5 Arnold Kleyn, 4 Athenkosi Khetani, 3 Marzuq Maarman, 2 Robin Stevens, 1 Siya Nzuzo.
Replacements: 16 Sithembiso Befile, 17 Lyle Lombaard, 18 Emile Klassen, 19 Ntsika Fisante, 20 Diego Williams, 21 Sachin Toring, 22 Divian Swanepoel, 23 Lennox Holster.
Date: Sunday, March 28
Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge
Assistant Referees: Griffin Colby, Mpho Matsaung
TMO: Cwengile Jadezweni
