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Elstadt returns to Province fold

Fullback Cheslin Kolbe, wing Seabelo Senatla, centre Johnny Kotze, lock Ruan Botha, prop Steven Kitshoff and hooker Bongi Mbonambi all return to the starting XV for the semi-final clash against the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.

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"With Rynhardt Elstadt I expect us to be good at the breakdowns – an area we have been very inconsistent in. There have been times when we've been at Super Rugby level and at times we have been poor, none more so than the two games against the Bulls – we were terrible at Loftus and really good at Newlands. I think it [having Elstadt back] makes a massive difference to a player like Nizaam Carr because it will now free him up to enjoy being able to carry the ball more like Sikhumbuzo Notshe has been doing," coach John Dobson said.

Juan de Jongh will once again captain the side – partnering Johnny Kotze in midfield – with Senatla, Dillyn Leyds and Kolbe forming a razor-sharp back three.

"I've played a few games with Johnny [Kotze] and I know him for a really long time. We have been working together for some time now, so it's not like it's a new combination who does not know each other," de Jongh said.

Nic Groom and Robert du Preez will combine at halfback, with experienced scrumhalf Jano Vermaak back on the bench after missing the last two matches with a groin strain.

Prop Oli Kebble has shaken off an ankle injury to be named on the bench, where he is joined by lock Chris van Zyl – who, like Kebble, started last Friday's 45-14 win over the Eastern Province Kings at Newlands.

"Having players like Rynhardt and Jano back in our 22 is a big boost for us, given that they're both experienced players who have played in games of this nature before.

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"Our average (matchday squad) age is just over 23 – Dillyn Leyds, Johnny Kotze, Robert du Preez, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Wilco Louw, Michael Willemse, Jurie van Vuuren and Huw Jones are all playing in their first-ever Currie Cup semifinal – so any additional experience can only help those players and, of course, the team on the whole.

"We have had a short week, but it's been a sharp one as we look to take on a Bulls team that has been excellent at home this season and, thus, deserving of hosting a home semifinal."

Western Province: 15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Dillyn Leyds, 13 Johnny Kotze, 12 Juan de Jongh (captain), 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 6 Rynhardt Elstadt, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff.

Replacements: 16 Michael Willemse, 17 Oliver Kebble, 18 Chris van Zyl, 19 Jurie van Vuuren, 20 Jano Vermaak, 21 Kurt Coleman, 22 Huw Jones.

Date: Friday, October 16

Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Kick-off: 19.00 (17.00 GMT)

Referee: Lesego Legoete

Assistant referees: Stuart Berry, Quinton Immelman

TMO: Christie du Preez

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