Boks back in Currie Cup action
The return of several Springbok training squad members to their provincial teams has added an exciting dimension to this weekend’s games.
Several Springbok training squad members have returned to their home provinces following the announcement of the Springbok Rugby World Cup squad last Friday.
Current log leaders, the Blue Bulls, slotted Springbok prop Marcel van der Merwe into their front-row for their Friday evening clash in Pretoria against the Cheetahs, while also adding Springbok midfielder Jan Serfontein to their bench.
Free State coach, Franco Smith, has named Springbok loose forward Oupa Mohoje on the bench as Smith opted to gradually ease him back into Currie Cup action. The team’s other Springbok training squad member, wing Cornal Hendricks, was not considered for this week. This encounter starts at 19h10.
Returning scrumhalf Cobus Reinach will start at No 9 when the Cell C Sharks host the Pumas on Saturday at Growthpoint Kings Park in Durban. The Springbok halfback comes in for fellow Bok Michael Claassens, who has been ruled out with a lower back injury. Starting time is 15h00.
Johan Ackermann, the Golden Lions coach, included Springbok number eight Warren Whiteley in his starting team to face the Eastern Province Kings on Saturday in Johannesburg, and also handed the lanky loose forward the captaincy. However, Whiteley was withdrawn from the team after straining a calf muscle at training on Thursday.
Centre Howard Mnisi will now captain the side. Fabian Booysen shifts to the No 8 position, while Springbok Sevens star Kwagga Smith moves into the starting line-up at No 7, with Jano Venter moving onto the bench.
Springbok training squad members Scarra Ntubeni and Steven Kitshoff will both start in the front row for Western Province in Saturday's clash against Griquas at Newlands (kick-off 17h05).
Ntubeni replaces Bongi Mbonambi at hooker, whilst Kitshoff comes in for Ali Vermaak at loosehead prop, with coach John Dobson making a total of five personnel changes to the starting line-up that went down 21-28 to the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein last Friday.
Twitter - @gazza_jenks @ECRSportswave
Facebook - ECRSportswave