New halfback pairing for WP

 

The Western Province starting line-up shows just two changes from last week’s 49-14 demolition of the EP Kings, with Kurt Coleman partnering half-centurion Schreuder in what will be his first start of the 2014 Currie Cup and vice-captain Pat Cilliers returning at tighthead prop.

 

With Coleman starting at No.10, Demetri Catrakilis moves down to the bench where he will be joined by Brok Harris, who swaps around with Cilliers in the front row, loose forward Sikhumbuzo Notshe, who is in for the suspended Rynhardt Elstadt, and debutant scrumhalf Godlen Masimla who replaces the injured Nic Groom.

 

SA Sevens star Justin Geduld remains on the bench with Cheslin Kolbe having been passed fit for Saturday’s Ellis Park excursion, whilst the other noteworthy selection on the Western Province bench is Springbok tourist Siyabonga Ntubeni who joins the matchday 22 at the expense of Neil Rautenbach.

 

Ntubeni is back to full fitness after battling with a calf muscle strain and he will add to Western Province coach Allister Coetzee’s options from the bench.

 

“Cheslin ran well today and will take his place in the No.15 jersey and Scarra’s [Siyabonga Ntubeni] selection on the bench is also great news for us against a Lions team that has plenty to play for.

 

“With Seabelo Senatla sidelined with an ankle injury it would’ve been a blow to [also] lose Cheslin, given the similar skill-set and attacking threat that he also brings to our backline.”

 

The WP boss also wished Louis Schreuder well on the occasion of his 50th game in the Blue & White hoops, adding: “It’s a great moment for Louis Schreuder, in his 50th match for DHL Western Province.

 

“Nic Groom also played his 50th match earlier this season and losing him is a blow for us. But the inclusion of Godlen Masimla is also an exciting time for a player who has come through the Varsity Shield with UWC, the WP Under-21 team and our Vodacom Cup team.”

 

Western Province: 15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Juan de Jongh (Captain), 12 Jaco Taute, 11 Pat Howard, 10 Kurt Coleman, 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Michael Rhodes, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Pat Cilliers , 2 Stephan Coetzee, 1 Alistair Vermaak.

Replacements: 16 Siyabonga Ntubeni, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Manuel Carizza, 19 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 20 Godlen Masimla, 21 Demetri Catrakilis, 22 Justin Geduld.