Notshe, Geduld to make first starts for DHL WP

Sep 18 • General News • 1654 Views • Comments Off on Notshe, Geduld to make first starts for DHL WP

Loose forward Sikhumbuzo Notshe and utility back Justin Geduld will make their first Absa Currie Cup starts for DHL Western Province in Saturday’s home fixture against Griquas (kick-off 15h00).

Notshe will wear the No.6 jersey at DHL Newlands in the absence of injured loose forward colleague Siya Kolisi, whilst SA Sevens star Geduld will start on the left-wing as part of the five changes to the DHL WP team this week.

Kolisi (knees) and hooker Stephan Coetzee (ankle) both miss out after picking up injuries in last Saturday’s 33-35 loss to the Golden Lions at Ellis Park, whilst flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis, tighthead prop Brok Harris and hooker Scarra Ntubeni all move into starting roles – from the bench – this week.

Harris rotates again with squad vice-captain Pat Cilliers, who drops down to the bench where he will be joined by fellow prop – and Absa Currie Cup debutant – Oliver Kebble, who is back to full fitness after picking up an ankle injury during Super Rugby.

DHL WP coach Allister Coetzee told www.wprugby.com: “We’ve made more changes than we would’ve liked, but injuries have forced our hand a bit this week.

“I’m very happy for Justin and Notshe who will be making their first Absa Currie Cup starts after very useful contributions off the bench last week. We have every bit of confidence in their abilities and look forward to seeing how they adapt to starting roles.”

Coetzee, meanwhile, also explained his thinking behind naming a five/two bench (in terms of the split behind between forwards and backs) for the Round Seven clash against the Men from Kimberley.

“We might need to go this route (a five/two split on the bench) later in the Absa Currie Cup, so we thought it would be a good opportunity to test it out at DHL Newlands this weekend.

“We will be able to see how it goes against a forward-orientated team like Griquas, whilst it’s also a nice chance for us to get Oli Kebble back into the mix and into a playing role.”

Match tickets for Saturday are priced from just R35 (for standing), whilst seating prices range between R55, R65, R75 and R95 and can be purchased right now from http://wprugby.ticketpros.co.za.

Tickets can also be bought directly from the DHL Newlands Box Office (opening times this week: Tuesday-Friday, 09h00-16h00 and Saturday, 09h00-15h30), or from selected Western Cape Spar stores and PostNet branches (nationwide).

The DHL WP team for Saturday (v Griquas, home) is as follows:

15. Cheslin Kolbe
14. Kobus van Wyk
13. Juan de Jongh (captain)
12. Jaco Taute
11. Justin Geduld (First Absa Currie Cup start for DHL Western Province)
10. Demetri Catrakilis
9. Louis Schreuder
8. Nizaam Carr
7. Michael Rhodes
6. Sikhumbuzo Notshe (First Absa Currie Cup start for DHL Western Province)
5. Ruan Botha
4. Jean Kleyn
3. Brok Harris
2. Scarra Ntubeni
1. Alistair Vermaak

Replacements:
16. Neil Rautenbach
17. Oliver Kebble (On Absa Currie Cup debut for DHL Western Province)
18. Pat Cilliers
19. Manuel Carizza
20. Rohan Kitshoff
21. Godlen Masimla
22. Kurt Coleman

Referee: Lesego ‘Pro’ Legoete
Assistant referees: Marius van der Westhuizen, Marc van Zyl
Television match official: Shaun Veldsman