Clayton Blommetjies will make his debut for DHL Western Province as they open their 2023 Currie Cup campaign against Fidelity ADT Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.
With head coach John Dobson heading up the coaching team, lock Ernst van Rhyn has been given the responsibility of captaincy in the Currie Cup opener.
There is plenty of talent in the WP team, testament to the depth that Dobson has created and it doesn’t come more experienced at this level than the midfield combination of Juan de Jongh and Jean-Luc du Plessis.
Up front that continues with Scarra Ntubeni at hooker, while those who follow the URC will be more than familiar with Ben-Jason Dixon and Marcel Theunissen, who will line up alongside the highly-rated Keke Morabe.
Kade Wolhuter will have Godlen Masimla as his halfback partner.
The match will also see potential senior debuts for lock Dylan de Leeuw, flank Louwan Horn, centre Bruce Sherwood and utility back Suleiman Hartzenberg from the replacements bench.
Head Coach John Dobson said that the focus this week has been on making the most of the considerable talent in the matchday squad.
“It has been a good training week, with great energy for the start of the Currie Cup.
“We have some incredibly talented players going up to Joburg, so the challenge for us will be to ensure that we make the most of that and get the competition off to a positive start,” he said.
DHL WESTERN PROVINCE: Clayton Blommetjies, Angelo Davids, Juan de Jongh, Jean-Luc du Plessis, Duncan Saal; Kade Wolhuter, Golden Masimla; Keke Morabe, Ben-Jason Dixon, Marcel Theunissen, Connor Evans, Ernst van Rhyn (captain), Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Scarra Ntubeni, Kwenzo Blose.
REPLACEMENTS: Andre-Hugo Venter, Leon Lyons, Sazi Sandi, Dylan de Leeuw, Louwan Horn, Paul de Wet, Bruce Sherwood, Suleiman Hartzenberg.
