Among the forwards, a notable debut will be made by flanker Kwanda Dimaza, previously with the Pumas, as he graces the Currie Cup with his presence for the first time in a Boland jersey. The front row also experiences shifts with Llewellyn Classen and Mthokozisi Gumede stepping up as starting hooker and loosehead prop respectively. Gumede fills the gap left by Alistair Vermaak following an Achilles injury he sustained during a convincing 41-3 victory over the Stormers XXIII.
Coach Fourie offered insights into his selection decisions, particularly praising the new additions.
"Kwanda Dimaza comes in for Khwezi Mafu; it’s just a straight swap between the two of them. The rest of the guys [in the back and second rows] stay the same. So, we have gone with a bit of continuity on the weekend, and we gave opportunities to Llewellyn to start and Darnell to come off the bench; he has impressed us since joining us from the Pumas and we look forward to seeing what he can bring. Kwanda was in the starting lineup for most of the SA Cup games, except for three weeks where he was out with a concussion. He’s quite a big unit, very good in the lineouts, and has a very good skill set."
Moreover, Darnell Osuagwu, another former Puma, could also make his first appearance for Boland after being included in the reserves.
The full team list reads as follows:
- James Tedder (15)
- Xavier Mitchell (14)
- Lunathi Nxele (13)
- Jurick Lewis (12)
- Jayden Bantom (11)
- Chris Smit (10)
- Louis Schreuder (9)
- Thurlow Marsh (c)(8)
- Kwanda Dimaza (7)
- Gift Dlamini (6)
- Marlyn Williams (5)
- Jeandré Leonard (4)
- Dayan van der Westhuizen (3)
- Llewellyn Classen (2)
- Mthokozisi Gumede (1)
Substitutes:
- Darnell Osuagwu (16)
- Dewald Maritz (17)
- Heiko Pohlmann (18)
- Johnré Stopforth (19)
- Taine Booysen (20)
- Chriswill September (21)
- Ashlon Davids (22)
- Domenic Smit (23)
This strategic shuffling of the team seems to be a blend of harnessing experienced players and injecting fresh talent, aiming for a robust performance against the Pumas. With eyes set on extending their victorious streak, the Cavaliers appear ready to tackle their next challenge head-on.
