Willemse gets 'new' role
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Western Province head coach John Dobson has opted to utilise Damian Willemse in the midfield for the Currie Cup final against the Sharks on Saturday.
The 20-year-old Springbok’s name has been linked to flyhalf and fullback in recent weeks.
Willemse’s switch from flyhalf to inside centre hands Josh Stander the opportunity to start at flyhalf.
Stander has been in fine form at flyhalf.
The other changes see Sikhumbuzo Notshe and Jano Vermaak both return from injury and straight into the starting line-up for the replay of last year’s final.
Western Province will be looking to make it an unbeaten season and secure a record 35th Currie Cup title when they run out at Newlands.
Western Province Head Coach John Dobson said that his team want to make the most of the opportunity they have at Newlands on Saturday.
“There has been a lot of hard work to get to this point, with many different people making important contributions.
“There is nothing like a Currie Cup Final at Newlands, so it is something we would like to embrace and make the most of in front of The Faithful,” he said.
Western Province: 15 Dillyn Leyds, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 SP Marais, 10 Josh Stander, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Ernst van Rhyn, 6 Kobus van Dyk, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Chris van Zyl (captain), 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ali Vermaak.
Replacements: 16 Scarra Ntubeni, 17 Caylib Oosthuizen, 18 Michael Kumbirai, 19 Salmaan Moerat, 20 Jaco Coetzee, 21 Herschel Jantjies, 22 Dan Kriel, 23 JJ Engelbrecht.
Date: Saturday, October 27
Venue: Newlands Stadium, Cape Town
Kick-off: 16.00 (14.00 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant referees: AJ Jacobs, Cwengile Jadezweni
TMO: Shaun Veldsman
