The inclusion of full-back Clayton Blometies is one of several changes to the DHL Western Primary squad ahead of Sunday’s game against the Griffons at Welsh.
Blometies, who featured for DHL Stormers at Vodacom URC in December, has been named in a reconfigured backline for their Currie Cup third-round tie at North West Stadium.
He starts at number 15, replacing Luke Burger, who moves to outside centre in the new midfield pairing alongside Jonathan Roche. Jean-Luc du Plessis and Wandisile Simelane are out for the 23rd game.
Roche and right winger Jared Africa will make their senior debuts for WP, while loosehead prop Méli Khuzwayo and substitutes Nicolas Robeck and Andre Goeduis are also expected to be called up as substitutes.
Kuzwayo will be up against tighthead Vernon Matongo, who will make his first run-on appearance at the 2024 Currie Cup. Matongo has been sidelined since back-to-back defeats to the Vodacom Bulls and defending champions Cheetahs.
Lu Neldo has been promoted from Wood to complement a powerful and dynamic trio alongside captain Willi Engelbrecht and Paul de Villiers.
Gary Potter has brought in Hendre Stassen as his new lock partner, moving from blindside flanker to No.4 in the absence of Conor Evans.
Springbok speedster Courtnall Skosan is expected to line up alongside Labib Kanemeyer and Damien Marcus in the backline, while hooker Lucanyo Bokozela could make his first appearance off the bench in this year’s competition.
Rugby coach John Dobson said the team had a good mix of youth and experience.
“While some young players are getting their chance, there are also some smart, experienced players in the match squad who will provide important guidance,” he added.
“It’s also great to see more local club players like Nicolas Löbeck emerging, and Jerome Farwater’s work in unearthing more promising talent should be recognised.
“The trip to Welkom will be a great experience for everyone involved and we know that it will take an intense 80-minute performance to achieve the results we want.”
Western Region – 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Jared Africa, 13 Luke Burger, 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Jurie Matthee, 9 Imad Khan, 8 Willie Engelbrecht (captain), 7 Louw Nel, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Gary Porter, 4 Hendre. Stassen, 3 Vernon Matongo, 2 JJ Kotze, 1 Mheli Khuzwayo.
Subs not used: 16 Lucano Bokozela, 17 Nicolas Robeck, 18 Korne Weilbach, 19 Andre Godhuis, 20 CJ Velleman, 21 Rabib Kanemeyer, 22 Damien Markus, 23 Courtnall Skosan.
Photo: @TheCurrieCup/Twitter
