Jano Vermaak will start at scrumhalf for Western Province against the Pumas at Newlands on Saturday.

Vermaak will wear the WP No 9 jersey for the first time having been picked ahead of Nic Groom.

Dillyn Leyds will start at fullback, in place of the injured Cheslin Kolbe, with Kobus van Wyk moving up from the bench to start on the right wing.

Meanwhile, Steven Kitshoff has not recovered from a chest niggle, so Oli Kebble will start at loosehead. In the second row, Jan de Klerk will make a first start at this level, with Jean Kleyn being rested.  

In the back row, Nizaam Carr returns to assume the captaincy from the No 8 position, while Sikhumbuzo Notshe, who started there last week, shifts to openside flank. 

On the bench, hooker Michael Willemse, prop Ali Vermaak and utility back Jaco Taute all return to the match 22. Rynhardt Elstadt and Scarra Ntubeni are unavailable due to injury.

Western Province – 15 Dillyn Leyds, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Johnny Kotze, 12 Huw Jones, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Nizaam Carr (c), 7 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 6 Chris Cloete, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Jan de Klerk, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Oli Kebble.
Subs: 16 Michael Willemse, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Jean Kleyn, 19 Jurie van Vuuren, 20 Nic Groom, 21 Demetri Catrakilis, 22 Jaco Taute.

Photo: Thinus Maritz/Gallo Images