Pumas bank on former Waratahs lock
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Pumas have made seven changes for their Currie Cup Round two match against the Griquas.
Fresh from a defeat to the Sharks, Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse added former Waratahs player Le Roets to his starting XV.
Roets and regular captain Pieter Jansen van Vuren, who missed out last weekend due to injury, taking over from Brendon Snyman and Darrien Landsberg respectively.
Landsberg, however, retains his place in the starting XV in the loose trio, with his inclusion at flank resulting in Phumzile Maqondwana taking over the No 6 jersey from Francois Kleinhans.
In the front row, Dewald Maritz and Simon Westraadt get a start. The pair, who replaces Hendrik van Schoor and Liam Hendriks, will be part of the new front row with tighthead prop Ruan Kramer.
There is only one change in the backline. Luther Obi gets the No.14 jersey. The Former Cheetahs’ back replaces Morné Joubert on the right.
The match is also a big occasion for Marko Janse van Rensburg, who will celebrate a big career milestone of 50 caps for the Lowvelders on Friday
Pumas: 15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Luther Obi, 13 Erich Cronje, 12 Ali Mgijima, 11 Etienne Taljaard, 10 Devon Williams, 9 Ginter Smuts, 8 Willim Engelbrecht, 7 Darrien Landsberg, 6 Phumzile Maqondwana, 5 Pieter Jansen van Vuren (captain), 4 Le Roux Roets, 3 Ruan Kramer, 2 Simon Westraadt, 1 Dewald Maritz.
Replacements: 16 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17 Ignatius Prinsloo, 18 Brandon Valentyn, 19 Daniel Maartens, 20 Chriswill September, 21 Tiaan Botes, 22 Wayne van Bank, 23 Liam Hendriks.
Date: Friday, December 4
Venue: Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
Kick-off: 19.00 (17.00 GMT)
Referee: Stuart Berry
Assistant referees: Paul Mente, Morne Ferreira
TMO: Willie Vos
