Taute returns for WP
Western Province coach Allister Coetzee has kept the changes to a minimum for the 2014 Currie Cup Final clash against the Golden Lions at Newlands.
In the only change to the starting XV that beat the Blue Bulls by 31-23, fit-again centre Jaco Taute returns in the No.12 jersey to resume his partnership with Juan de Jongh, who will be playing in his 50th match for the province.
Michael van der Spuy reverts to the bench for Saturday’s final, where is joined by lock Gerbrandt Grobler, who comes into the matchday squad at the expense of prop Oliver Kebble, who came from the bench last weekend.
No.8 Nizaam Carr, who left the field in the first half last week, has been passed fit for the final, with coach Coetzee praising the consistency in selection during the business-end of the Currie Cup season.
"We've had some tough calls to make, especially last week, but we are fortunate to have not made many changes these past two weeks.
"Jaco is fit and takes his place at inside centre again and we're fortunate to have a guy like Michael van der Spuy backing him up, with Jaco providing additional back-up given his versatility across the backline," Coetzee said.
WP, who will be playing their third successive final, and the Golden Lions will lock horns for the third time this season, with both teams winning once up until now.
"It’s a challenge that we're embracing and that we're excited about. You can't ask for more than running out at a packed Newlands. This side has matured well this season and we're really looking forward to Saturday.
"The Lions have been a very consistent team this year – in terms of their selection and performances and we're expecting a ferocious onslaught from them. They play a similar brand to us, so we should be in for a great final," he added.
Western Province: 15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Juan de Jongh (captain), 12 Jaco Taute, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Demetri Catrakilis, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Michael Rhodes, 6 Rynhardt Elstadt, 5 Manuel Carizza, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Pat Cilliers, 2 Siyabonga Ntubeni, 1 Alistair Vermaak.
Replacements: 16 Neil Rautenbach, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Gerbrandt Grobler, 19 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 20 Louis Schreuder, 21 Kurt Coleman, 22 Michael van der Spuy.
Date: Saturday, October 25
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Kick-off: 17.00 (15.00 GMT)
Referee: Craig Joubert
Assistant referees: Jaco Peyper, Lesego Legoete
TMO: Deon van Blommestein
