WP's upfront boost

04 September 2015 - 02:08 By Craig Ray

Two-thirds of the Stormers' dominant front row will start for Western Province against Griquas tomorrow, with Steven Kitshoff and Scarra Ntubeni back in the blue and white hoops. The pair failed to make the Springbok World Cup squad and now have their sights on the Currie Cup, which is perfect timing for the struggling defending champions.After back-to-back defeats, John Dobson's men need to turn their fortunes around, and the talented duo will add explosiveness in the loose exchanges.Ntubeni is excellent as an additional weapon at the breakdown - an area where WP have fallen short this season - and Kitshoff has also improved his work in the tight loose.In other changes, Dobson has axed flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis and turned to Kurt Coleman to give the side more attacking cutting edge.Catrakilis has dropped out of the squad altogether, with Rob du Preez set to make his first Currie Cup appearance of the season off the bench.Flank Chris Cloete will also make his first start in place of the injured Sikhumbuzo Notshe, with Rynhardt Elstadt reverting to blindside flank."Scarra and Kitsie will provide experience and energy up front and both are deserving of their starts, despite Kitsie joining us this week only," Dobson said. "I'm also expecting a lot from Chris Cloete, who has made a difference from the bench in recent weeks."Demetri has been our first- choice flyhalf for some time, but we feel the time is right to give Kurt a go - as was always our intention after four games - and, of course, look at a younger player like Rob du Preez in a bid to give him game time."We are very fortunate to have some talented No10s."Griquas are winless so far this season and have earned only one point out of a possible 20...

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