WP shifts Willemse for Lions showdown
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Western Province backline has been shuffled for the Currie Cup encounter with the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.
The starting forward pack remains unchanged, while there are three changes and two positional switches in the backline for the trip to Ellis Park.
Damian Willemse is at fullback in place of the injured Warrick Gelant, with Tim Swiel starting at flyhalf where he will form an all-new halfback combination with Godlen Masimla.
Ruhan Nel comes into the starting line-up at outside centre for the first time this season and will link up in midfield with Dan du Plessis, who moves to inside centre.
Lock David Meihuizen, flank Marcel Theunissen and scrumhalf Paul de Wet are all back in the mix among the replacements.
Western Province: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Tim Swiel, 9 Godlen Masimla, 8 Juarno Augustus, 7 Ernst van Rhyn, 6 Siyamthanda Kolisi (captain), 5 John Schickerling, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Replacements – from: 16 Siyabonga Ntubeni, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 David Meihuizen, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Johan du Toit, 22 Paul de Wet, 23 Tristan Leyds, 24 Jaco Coetzee, 25 Kade Wolhuter, 26 Rikus Pretorius.
Date: Saturday, December 5
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 19.00 (17.00 GMT)
Referee: ColbtGriffin
Assistant referees: Marius van der Westhuizen, Rasta Rasichebge
TMO: Marius Jonker
