Nel leads DHL WP against Pumas

Loose forward Low Nel will take over the captaincy for DHL Western Province’s Carling Currie Cup encounter with the Airlink Pumas at DHL Stadium on Saturday.

After four consecutive away games, Western Province will play their second home match of the season against the Mpumalanga outfit at 7.20pm on Saturday.

Nel has started every game this season, showing an incredible work-rate on both attack and defence throughout. He will lead the team in the absence of Gary Porter, who has been ruled out with a shoulder injury.

Nel is joined in the loose trio by Connor Evans and Paul de Villiers, while Riley Norton shifts to the second row in place of Porter. The experienced Deon Fourie, who lifted the trophy in 2012 as captain, will feature from the replacements bench.

The only change to the front row sees Mhleli Khuzwayo come back into the starting line-up.

In the backline, Luke Burger moves to fullback in place of the injured Tristan Leyds, with Joel Leotlela taking his place on the wing.

Head coach Labeeb Levy said that his team is keen to make an impression in front of their home crowd.

“It has been four straight matches on the road from us and we can all clearly remember the fantastic support we got in our opening match at DHL Stadium.

“The team is highly motivated to put in a good performance for our loyal supporters. We have been reinforced by a few experienced players, although we have also been hit with some injuries so we are aiming to put together an 80-minute performance and make the most of every moment out there,” he said.

DHL Western Province starting XV: 15 Luke Burger, 14 Joel Leotlela, 13 Gino Cupido, 12 Damian Markus, 11 Jared Africa; 10 Kyle Smith, 9 Ezekiel Ngobeni; 8 Louw Nel (capt), 7 Connor Evans, 6 Paul de Villiers; 5 Riley Norton, 4 Alex Groves; 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Mhleli Khuzwayo. Replacements: 16 Lukhanyo Vokozela, 17 Oliver Reid, 18 Herman Lubbe, 19 Deon Fourie, 20 De Wet Marais, 21 Asad Moos, 22 Ronald Brown, 23 Brendan Venter.

Airlink Pumas starting XV: 15 Stefan Coetzee, 14 Lundi Msenge, 13 Sango Xamlashe, 12 Wian van Niekerk, 11 Darren Adonis, 10 Clinton Swart, 9 Ross Braude; 8 Willie Engelbrecht (capt), 7 Ruwald van der Merwe, 6 Ntsika Fisanti; 5 Tiaan de Klerk, 4 JJ Scheepers, 3 Sampie Swiegers, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Etienne Janeke. Replacements: 16 Darnelle Osuagwu, 17 Dewald Maritz, 18 Junior Banda, 19 Hanno Theunissen, 20 Andre Fouche, 21 Russwill Fredricks, 22 Danrich Visagie, 23 Tiaan Pretorius.