Engelbrecht returns to lead WP

Willie Engelbrecht makes his return from injury to captain Western Province in the Currie Cup clash with the Sharks XV at Stadium on Saturday.

There are several changes for the coastal clash, which kicks off at 15h00 on Saturday. Tickets are available from Ticketpro.

Engelbrecht is joined in the loose trio by Louw Nel and Paul de Villiers, while in the second row Enos Ndiao makes his first start of the season alongside Andre Goedhals.

The only change to the front row sees Vernon Matongo come into the starting line-up in place of Steven Kitshoff, who has joined the Springbok squad.

In the backline there is a new centre pairing of Junior Springbok Joshua Boulle and Luke Burger, with fit-again Courtnall Skosan on the wing and young JC Mars at fullback.

Director of Rugby John Dobson said that the team is determined to make the most of what will be the last league fixture at Stadium this season.

"We are in Stellenbosch next weekend and there is a real desire to put together a complete performance for our supporters at Stadium on Saturday.

"We are hoping to see some more growth from the individuals and a more cohesive team performance against what has been an impressive Sharks XV," he said.

Western Province: 15 JC Mars, 14 Courtnall Skosan, 13 Luke Burger, 12 Joshua Boulle, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Jurie Matthee, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Willie Engelbrecht (captain), 7 Louw Nel, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Andre Goedhals, 4 Enos Ndiao, 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Veronon Matongo.
Replacements: 16 JJ Kotze, 17 Mhleli Khuzwayo, 18 Corne Weilbach, 19 Hendre Stassen, 20 Sibusiso Sangweni, 21 Divan Fuller, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Kyle Smith.