Blommetjies makes WP return
07/19/2024 04:57 AM
The inclusion of fullback Clayton Blommetjies is one of several changes to the DHL Western Province team for their match against the Griffons in Welkom on Sunday.
Blommetjies, who last featured for the DHL Stormers during the Vodacom URC in December, has been named in a rejigged backline for the round 3 Currie Cup clash at North West Stadium.
He starts at 15 in place of Luke Burger, who shifts to outside centre in a new midfield pairing with Jonathan Roche. Jean-Luc du Plessis and Wandisile Simelane drop out of the matchday 23.
Roche and right winger Jared Africa will be making their WP senior debuts, as will loosehead prop Mheli Khuzwayo and replacements Nicholas Roebeck and Andre Goedhuis if they are used as substitutes.
Khuzwayo is set to pack down with tighthead Vernon Matongo, who earns a first run-on outing in the 2024 Currie Cup after cameos in back-to-back defeats to the Vodacom Bulls and defending champion Cheetahs.
Louw Nel is also promoted from the wood to complement a powerful and dynamic loose trio with skipper Willie Engelbrecht and Paul de Villiers.
Gary Porter has a new lock partner in Hendre Stassen, who shifts from blindside flanker to No 4 in the absence of Connor Evans.
Springbok speedster Courtnall Skosan will provide cover in the backline with Labib Kannemeyer and Damian Markus, while hooker Lukhanyo Vokozela is in line to make his first appearance of this year’s competition off the bench.
Director of rugby John Dobson said that there is a good blend of youth and experience in the team.
"While we have a few young players getting an opportunity, there are also some wise older heads in the matchday squad that will provide crucial guidance,” he added.
"It is also great to see more local club players getting like Nicolas Roebeck coming through and credit must go to Jerome Paarwater for his work in identifying more promising talent.
"The trip to Welkom will be good experience for everyone involved and we know it will have to be a focused 80-minute performance if we are to get the result we are looking for.”
Western Province – 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Jared Africa, 13 Luke Burger, 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Jurie Matthee, 9 Imad Khan, 8 Willie Engelbrecht (captain), 7 Louw Nel, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Gary Porter, 4 Hendre Stassen, 3 Vernon Matongo, 2 JJ Kotze, 1 Mheli Khuzwayo.
Replacements: 16 Lukhanyo Vokozela, 17 Nicholas Roebeck, 18 Corne Weilbach, 19 Andre Goedhuis, 20 CJ Velleman, 21 Labib Kannemeyer, 22 Damian Markus, 23 Courtnall Skosan.
Photo: @TheCurrieCup/Twitter
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