Ntubeni to raise WP half-century

Having recently returned from long-term injury Ntubeni continues his role as an impact player in the Currie Cup encounter.

There are seven changes to the starting line-up which did duty in the 34-19 victory against the Pumas at Newlands, as coach John Dobson shuffles his resources to manage the workload of his players.

The only changes to the forward pack come in the form of an all-new front row – with hooker Ramone Samuels in between props Jacobus Janse van Rensburg and Wilco Louw, with Ntubeni and Michael Kumbirai providing cover on the replacements bench.

There is a new halfback pairing – as scrumhalf Dewaldt Duvenage returns to partner Kurt Coleman, with Jano Vermaak and Damian Willemse among the replacements.

The other changes to the backline see Michal Hazner take his place at inside centre and Bjorn Basson come onto the wing, with Huw Jones making his return from a hamstring injury off the replacements bench.

Dobson said that his team are determined to raise their game on what is always a testing trip to Kimberley.

"We know that we are in for a serious test up in Kimberley, but the players have embraced the challenge and are excited to show what we are capable of," Dobson said.

"We have some talented players, so the challenge for us will be to perform as a unit," he added.

Western Province: 15 Sarel Marais, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 EW Viljoen, 12 Michal Hazner, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Kurt Coleman, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Kobus van Dyk, 6 Steph de Wit, 5 John Schickerling, 4 Chris van Zyl (captain), 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Ramone Samuels, 1 Jacobus Janse van Rensburg.

Replacements: 16 Siyabonga Ntubeni, 17 Michael Kumbirai, 18 Jurie van Vuuren, 19 Jaco Coetzee, 20 Jano Vermaak, 21 Huw Jones, 22 Damian Willemse.

Date: Wednesday, August 9

Venue: Kimberley Stadium, Kimberley

Kick-off: 13.00 (11.00 GMT)

Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge  

Assistant referees: Mpho Matsaung, Nico Schmahl

TMO: JJ Wagner