WP change bench split

Western Province have prepared for Griquas' much-vaunted physical threat upfront by naming a five-two split on the substitutes' bench for Saturday's Currie Cup clash at Newlands.

The decision to move away from the usual four-three split between forwards and backs resulted in the promising backliner Pat Howard dropping out of the match-day squad all together since the versatile Justin Geduld was preferred.

The additional forward on the bench also opened the way for tighthead prop Oliver Kebble to have a run later in the match after being sidelined by injury for the past few weeks.

Province coach Allister Coetzee said Saturday's game was an ideal opportunity to see how the team can benefit from the change to the split.

"We will be able to see how it goes against a forward-orientated team like Griquas," said Coetzee.

"It is also a nice chance for us to get Oli Kebble back into the mix and into a playing role."

Geduld made the starting XV for the first time after three slots on the bench, taking the place of Howard on the wing.

Another player to be promoted was loosie Sikhumbuzo Notshe, who would wear the number-six jumper. He filled the vacancies left by the suspended Rynhardt Elstadt and the injured Siya Kolisi.

"I'm very happy for Justin and Notshe who will be making their debuts in a starting Currie Cup side after very useful contributions off the bench last week," Coetzee said.

"We have every bit of confidence in their abilities and look forward to seeing how they adapt to their starting roles."

Rohan Kitshoff, the Namibian international, was brought into the squad to provide loose forwards cover on the bench.

Hooker Stephan Coetzee had not recovered fully from an ankle injury and Neil Rautenbach would be the reserve for the fit-again Scarra Ntubeni.

In two rotational changes, flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis and tighthead prop Brok Harris were named in the run-on XV which meant Kurt Coleman and Pat Cilliers dropped down to the bench.

"We have made more changes than we would have liked, but injuries have forced our hand a bit this week," the coach said.

"We understand what is required of us this week and we will look to keep it structured. Last week, against the Golden Lions, we lacked composure.

"We want to make sure we control the pace and the set pieces. We also know that they were carded in a few games which they could have won and we know they are capable of beating any side in the Currie Cup."

Western Province team: Cheslin Kolbe, Kobus van Wyk, Juan de Jongh (captain), Jaco Taute, Justin Geduld, Demetri Catrakilis, Louis Schreuder, Nizaam Carr, Michael Rhodes, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Ruan Botha, Jean Kleyn, Brok Harris, Scarra Ntubeni, Alistair Vermaak.

Substitutes: Neil Rautenbach, Oliver Kebble, Pat Cilliers, Manuel Carizza, Rohan Kitshoff, Godlen Masimla, Kurt Coleman.