The Airlink Pumas have officially announced their matchday 23 for the trip to Kimberley this weekend for the highly anticipated Currie Cup Final. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 SAST.
Aside from the massive silverware on the line, this clash carries immense emotional weight for the Lowveld-based union. It will mark the final match in a Pumas jersey for five proud stalwarts: Ettienne Janeke, Ntsika Fisanti, Sampie Swiegers, JJ Scheepers, and vice-captain Sango Xamlashe.
Head coach Jimmy Stonehouse has shuffled his starting pack from the side that triumphed in the semi-final against the Cheetahs, giving several of the departing players a starting berth for their final hurrah.
In the front row, Ettiene Janeke moves from the bench to start at loosehead prop, swapping places with Zukisa Sali. Sampie Swiegers retains his spot at tighthead.
In the second row, the departing JJ Scheepers pairs up with Tiaan de Klerk. The backrow sees a significant shift as Ntsika Fisanti is promoted to the starting XV at openside flank, moving Thabo Ndimande to the replacement bench.
The backline remains completely unchanged from the semi-final, maintaining crucial tactical consistency. Clinton Swart will pull the strings at flyhalf, while the departing Sango Xamlashe commands the midfield as vice-captain.
Airlink Pumas: 15 Jaycee Nel, 14 Darren Adonis, 13 Sango Xamlashe (vc), 12 Wian van Niekerk, 11 Banie Britz, 10 Clinton Swart, 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 Willie Engelbrecht, 7 Andre Goedhals, 6 Ntsika Fisanti, 5 Tiaan de Klerk, 4 JJ Scheepers, 3 Sampie Swiegers, 2 Chyle van Zyl, 1 Ettiene Janeke. Replacements: 16 Gustav du Rand, 17 Zukisa Sali, 18 Junior Banda, 19 Stephan Krugel, 20 Ruwald van der Merwe, 21 Thabo Ndimande, 22 Tino Swanepoel, 23 Russwill Fredericks.