Seven changes and three positional shifts in the Kavaliers starting XV

The Sanlam Boland Kavaliers are in fifth place on the SA Cup log, a position outside qualification for the Carling Currie Cup Premier Division and the Wellington side travels to Potchefstroom to face the Leopards on Friday in Potchefstroom in a vital clash for their Currie Cup dreams.

A positive result on Friday evening will boost the Kavaliers' chances of qualifying for the prestigious domestic rugby competition.

With Juan Mostert the only real long-term injury concern, coach Hawies Fourie has made some positional and rotational shifts in the squad set to face the Leopards.

Xavier Mitchell and James Tedder are the only survivors in the backline from last week's 74-5 victory against Border Bulldogs. Tedder is one of three positional shifts, moving from fullback to flyhalf to replace young Thurlon Williams with Domenic Smit, returning to wear the No 15 jersey.

Mitchell retains the outside centre position for a second week, after crossing the whitewash four times, taking his try-scoring tally to 11 in the SA Cup, the most in the competition. He pairs up with the experienced Lunathi Nxele, with Duren Hoffman and Jade Stighling being selected at 14 and 11, respectively.

Louis Schreuder returns to the starting lineup and will pair up with Tedder at halfback, while Golden Masimla will provide cover for the No 9 position on the bench. Thurlow Marsh, Sibusiso Sangweni, and Kwanda Dimaza pack down at the back of the scrum while Jeandre Leonard returns to form the lock pairing with 89-capped Kavalier veteran Marlyn Williams.

Doctor Booysen makes way for Dayan van der Westhuizen, with the former shifting to the bench, providing adequate front row cover along with Dewald Maritz. Van der Westhuizen and Mthokozisi Gumede pack down on either side of last week's Sanlam Confident Player of the Match, Joshua Eras, in the front row.

Powerhouse and energetic duo of Sauliegh Arendse and Michael Mutombo return to the matchday squad; the pair are named among the replacements. Chris Smit and Jayden Bantom are both expected to make a valuable impact when they are introduced off the bench.

Sanlam Boland Kavaliers starting XV: 15 Domenic Smit, 14 Duren Hoffman, 13 Xavier Mitchell, 12 Lunathi Nxele, 11 Jade Stighling; 10 James Tedder, 9 Louis Schreuder; 8 Thurlow Marsh (capt), 7 Kwanda Dimaza, 6 Sibusiso Sangweni; 5 Jeandre Leonard, 4 Marlyn Williams; 3 Dayan van der Westhuizen, 2 Joshua Eras, 1 Mthokozisi Gumede. Replacements: 16 Sidney Tobias, 17 Dewald Maritz, 18 Doctor Booysen, 19 Michael Mutombo, 20 Sauliegh Arendse, 21 Godlen Masimla, 22 Chris Smit, 23 Jayden Bantom.

Leopards v Sanlam Boland Kavaliers - Friday @ Olën Park, Potchefstroom (6.30pm)

Referee: Hanru van Rooyen