4 October 2026
The Airlink Pumas have named their 23-man squad for their final Tbilisi Cup fixture against the Lusitanos today. Head coach Jimmy Stonehouse has selected a settled lineup, prioritising continuity and set-piece stability for the tournament conclusion.
No. 8 Willie Engelbrecht captains the side, forming a balanced loose trio alongside flankers Thabo Ndimande and Andre Fouche. Inside centre Wian van Niekerk takes up the vice-captaincy role, anchoring the midfield defence and providing tactical structure in the backline.
The coaching staff has opted for consistency in the tight five, retaining the same front row and lock combinations that featured in the previous round. In the halfbacks, scrumhalf Chris van der Westhuizen partners Bradley Giddy to direct the team's attacking structures and distribution.
The Pumas have selected a standard five-three split on the replacements bench to provide second-half coverage across both the forwards and backs. Strategic tactical reserves, including veteran utility back Clinton Swart, are positioned to maintain the team's work rate in the closing stages.
"We have selected a well-balanced side capable of managing the tactical challenges the Lusitanos present," said Pumas head coach Jimmy Stonehouse. "The focus for the squad today is maintaining our discipline at the breakdown and executing our set-piece routines efficiently."
Pumas: 15 Tino Swanepoel, 14 Dalvon Blood, 13 Banie Britz, 12 Wian van Niekerk (vc), 11 Lundi Msenge, 10 Bradley Giddy, 9 Chris van der Westhuizen, 8 Willie Engelbrecht (c), 7 Thabo Ndimande, 6 Andre Fouche, 5 Andre Goedhals, 4 Stephan Krugel, 3 Junior Banda, 2 Tian Vorster, 1 Stephan de Jager. Replacements: 16 Jordan McLoughlin, 17 Jaco du Toit, 18 Damian Baker, 19 Tiaan de Klerk, 20 Henri van Heerden, 21 Raegan Oranje, 22 Clinton Swart, 23 Russwill Fredericks.