Shake-ups and fresh faces are the order of the day as Western Province rolls out their revised lineup for the upcoming clash against the Lions at Ellis Park this Saturday. With four new starters and several adjustments, the team is pushing to overturn their recent 48-23 thrashing by the Bulls with a revamped squad aimed at taming the Lions, who are coming off a dominant 46-5 victory over the Sharks.
On the wings, Sako Makata and Jared Africa are stepping in for Courtnall Skosan and Quewin Nortje, injecting some fresh speed into the backline. The bench also gets a boost with Gino Cupido, a rising star from the Junior Boks and the sevens circuit, poised to bring his dynamic play into the fray. The front row sees Zachary Porthen, a former Junior Boks captain, taking over the tighthead prop position from Cabous Eloff, while Louw Nel will anchor the scrum, moving to number eight as De Wet Marais steps aside and Gideon van Wyk fills in at blindside flank.
The team’s composition reflects a strategic shuffle while maintaining core synergies, as explained by WP coach Labeeb Levy.
"We have made some changes, but looked to keep most of the combinations from our opening match so that the players can build an understanding and synergy,”
Levy noted. He also highlighted the potential he observed in the team's previous game,"We saw some promising signs in the second half of our first game and it will require a big lift in standards to take that forward against a competitive Lions side on Saturday."
The revamped Western Province team lining up this weekend is as follows: Fullback Shilton van Wyk, wings Sako Makata and Jared Africa, centers Luke Burger and Damian Markus, flyhalf Kyle Smith, and scrumhalf Asad Moos. The forwards are anchored by Louw Nel at eight, flanked by Gideon van Wyk and captain Zain Davids, with Gary Porter and Alex Groves locking down the scrum. Zachary Porthen, Scarra Ntubeni, and Sti Sithole complete the front row. The bench promises versatility with players like Lukhanyo Vokozela, Mhleli Khuzwayo, and the electrifying Gino Cupido waiting in the wings.
As the team gears up for a tough encounter, the mix of experienced campaigners and youthful zest might just be the formula Western Province needs to bounce back and make a statement in the Currie Cup this season.