Libbok on WP debut in Stellenbosch

Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok will make his DHL Western Province debut along with three other players in the Carling Currie Cup encounter with the Airlink Pumas in Stellenbosch on Sunday.

Libbok is joined by replacements Joseph Dweba, Brian le Roux and Dave Ewers in pulling on the blue and white hoops for the first time for DHL Western Province’s final home league game of the campaign, which kicks off at 15h00 on Sunday at the Danie Craven Stadium.

There will be two curtain-raisers before the match, with DHL Western Province U19 kicking off their season against Hollywoodbets Sharks U19 on the B Field at 10h00 and DHL Western Province U21 resuming their campaign against Hollywoodbets Sharks U21 on the Danie Craven Stadium main field at 12h00.

2023/4 season ticket holders can collect free match tickets on presentation of their season ticket cards at the Coetzenburg Building before the game.

Libbok is joined by Steven Kitshoff in the starting line-up after both players were released from the Springbok squad this week.

Centres Wandisile Simelane and Damian Markus, scrumhalf Imad Khan, flank Hendre Stassen, locks Gay Porter and Adre Smith and hooker JJ Kotze all make their return to the starting line-up.

Lock Ruben van Heerden will also make his first appearance of the season, having been named among the replacements.

Director of Rugby John Dobson said that the players coming in are all expected to make a big impact on Sunday.

“We have got some top players coming in this week and the challenge will be for them to slot in and ensure we put together a cohesive performance.

“We want to put together a convincing display against a dangerous Airlink Pumas side and give our fans a performance they can be proud of,” he said.

DHL Western Province: 15 Luke Burger, 14 Courtnall Skosan, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Damian Markus, 11 Gino Cupido, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Imad Khan, 8 Divan Fuller, 7 Hendre Stassen, 6 Willie Engelbrecht (captain), 5 Gary Porter, 4 Adre Smith, 3 Corne Weilbach, 2 JJ Kotze, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Replacements: 16 Joseph Dweba, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Brian le Roux, 19 Ruben van Heerden, 20 Dave Ewers, 21 Sibusiso Sangweni, 22 Dewaldt Duvenage, 23 Jurie Matthee.