Hooker Scarra Ntubeni has returned from the Springbok camp and moves into the starting lineup as DHL Western Province head to Nelspruit to face the New Nation Pumas on Sunday.
Ntubeni’s experience will be vital as he helps provide his teammates fresh impetus at the end of a gruelling spell of facing the British & Irish Lions, the Toyota Cheetahs and the New Nation Pumas in the space of eight days. Joining Ntubeni in the front row on Sunday will be Sazi Sandi, who steps into the shoes of Neethling Fouche who will make an appearance from the bench.
“Scarra’s return has come at a very welcome time for us,” said DHL WP coach John Dobson.
“Obviously, he brings about his wealth of experience and of course, some fresh legs which is an added boost. I’m looking forward to seeing this front row combination in action because it was time to rest Neethling after a few yeoman performances for the team. It’s a great time to give Sazi game time.”
The only other change in the pack sees Johan du Toit replace Marcel Theunissen, who impressed against the Toyota Cheetahs, at flank.
There is a new halfback combination for Sunday’s clash with Paul de Wet and young flyhalf Chris Schreuder ready to take their opportunity to impress.
Dobson was also pleased to include Dan du Plessis at inside centre after he overcame an injury niggle. The rest of the backline that faced the Toyota Cheetahs in midweek remains the same.
“We are looking forward to another tough test on the road. Our intensity over the past week is admirable and we are looking to showing the Faithful more of it on Sunday,” added Dobson.
DHL Western Province: 15 Sergeal Petersen, 14 Tristan Leyds, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Chris Schreuder, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Johan du Toit, 6 Nama Xaba, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Ernst van Rhyn (captain), 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Leon Lyons. Replacements (from): 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Justin Basson, 20 Simon Miller, 21 Godlen Masimla, 22 Tim Swiel, 23 Leolin Zas, 24 JJ Kotze, 25 Cornel Smit, 26 Sacha Mngomezulu