Two changes for DHL WP in Mdantsane semifinal

Jul 7 • General News • 1642 Views • Comments Off on Two changes for DHL WP in Mdantsane semifinal

There are just two changes to the DHL Western Province starting XV to face the Vodacom Blue Bulls in their SuperSport Rugby Challenge semifinal in Mdantsane on Sunday.

Coach John Dobson’s team have gone unbeaten through the competition and are looking forward to returning to the Sisa Dukashe Stadium which was the scene of their victory against the Border Bulldogs earlier in the season.

Chad Solomon will start at hooker and Khanyo Ngcukana comes back from injury to take his place on the wing for the knock-out clash which kicks off at 15h00 on Sunday.

The rest of the starting line-up which did duty in the 26-0 quarterfinal victory against the Free State XV last week has been retained to give coach Dobson’s team some valuable continuity.

The only other changes come on the replacements bench, with outside back Grant Hermanus and lock Ruben de Villiers given an opportunity to make an impact if they take the field.

Dobson said that his team is more than happy to play their semifinal in Mdantsane, where they feel very comfortable given their fervent support in the area.

“We are really excited to go back to Mdantsane. We had a great and special experience last time when we were there a few weeks ago – it is a special crowd with great rugby knowledge and passion. Of course was refreshing to see all the DHL Western Province fans there so if we are not to play in Cape Town this is a great place for us.

“We were very happy to cede a home semifinal in the interests of the tournament which I think has gone really well and we have been privileged to be part of some amazing festivals. Hopefully, DHL Western Province has contributed to these to a degree.

“Injury wise we were blessed after a tough quarterfinal not to have anything too serious and the boys are looking forward to this trip to a home from home,” he said.

DHL Western Province: 15 Craig Barry, 14 Khanyo Ngcukana, 13 Michal Hazner, 12 Ruhan Nel, 11 Marcello Sampson, 10 Kurt Coleman, 9 Godlen Masimla, 8 Jaco Coetzee, 7 Johan du Toit, 6 Eital Bredenkamp (captain), 5 Eduard Zandberg, 4 Jurie van Vuuren, 3 Michael Kumbirai, 2 Chad Solomon, 1 Caylib Oosthuizen.
Replacements: 16 Dean Muir, 17 Frans van Wyk, 18 Ruben de Villiers, 19 Luke Stringer, 20 Herschel Jantjies, 21 Brandon Thomson, 22 Grant Hermanus.