Dillyn Leyds will captain Western Province in their opening Currie Cup match against Free State at Newlands on Saturday.
Leyds will start on the left wing as part of an experienced backline that includes the likes of SP Marais, JJ Engelbrecht, Jano Vermaak and Ruhan Nel. In the absence of the injured Jean-Luc du Plessis, the No 10 jersey will be worn by Josh Stander.
WP coach John Dobson has also been able to pick a strong pack, which has been boosted by the availability of Springbok loose forward Sikhumbuzo Notshe.
Western Province – 15 SP Marais, 14 JJ Engelbrecht, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan Kriel, 11Dillyn Leyds (c), 10 Josh Stander, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Juarno Augustus, 7 Kobus van Dyk, 6 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Michael Kumbirai, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Ali Vermaak.
Subs: 16 Chad Solomon, 17 Caylib Oosthuizen, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Ernst van Rhyn, 20 Herschel Jantjies, 21 Dan du Plessis, 22 Sergeal Petersen.
Photo: Carl Fourie/Gallo Images
