Kavaliers make 11 changes for Border battle

Sanlam Boland Kavaliers head coach Hawies Fourie has made 11 changes and a positional switch to the starting lineup that went down 24-14 against the Suzuki Griquas in Wellington last weekend when the Kavaliers host the Border Bulldogs in Wellington on Saturday in Round Six of the SA Cup.

Currently fifth on the SA Cup log after consecutive defeats to the Dotsure SWD Eagles and Griquas, the Kavaliers will be determined to return to winning ways and force their way back into the top four. Apart from the semi-final qualification, there is an added incentive; the four semi-finalists qualify for the Carling Currie Cup Premier Division.

In the backline, James Tedder starts at fullback in place of Domenic Smit after making his return from injury against Griquas, after being sidelined since the 2025 Carling Currie Cup Premier Division semi-final defeat. Riaan Louw comes in on the right wing, while Jayden Bantom takes over on the left wing in place of Xavier Mitchell, who shifts to outside centre, where he will partner Chris Smit.

Young Thurlon Williams is set for his first senior start at flyhalf and forms a new halfback combination with the experienced Chriswill September, who has been promoted from the bench.

Among the forwards, flankers Sibusiso Sangweni and Taine Booysen replace Kwanda Dimaza and Sauliegh Arendse, with Dimaza providing loose forward cover off the bench. In the second row, Michael Benadie comes in for Jeandre Leonard and will partner with Marlyn Williams. Joshua Eras starts at hooker, with Sidney Tobias set to play a role off the bench.

Lamla Nunu provides loosehead prop cover on the bench, while Schalk Oelofse offers lock cover. Bentley Geldenhuys, Jurick Lewis and long-term injury returnee Duren Hoffman form an exciting backline replacement trio.

Sanlam Boland Kavaliers starting XV: 15 James Tedder, 14 Riaan Louw, 13 Xavier Mitchell, 12 Chris Smit, 11 Jayden Bantom; 10 Thurlon Williams, 9 Chriswill September; 8 Thurlow Marsh (capt), 7 Sibusiso Sangweni, 6 Taine Booysen; 5 Marlyn Williams, 4 Michael Benadie; 3 Doctor Booysen, 2 Joshua Eras, 1 Mthokozisi Gumede. Replacements: 16 Sidney Tobias, 17 Lamla Nunu, 18 Dayan van der Westhuizen, 19 Schalk Oelofse, 20 Kwanda Dimaza, 21 Bentley Geldenhuys, 22 Jurick Lewis, 23 Duren Hoffman.

Sanlam Boland Kavaliers v Border - Saturday @ Boland Rugby Stadium, Wellington (3pm)

Referee: Hernus Coetzee