Siya Kolisi has been selected in the starting XV in Western Province’s must-win Currie Cup clash against the Pumas at Newlands on Friday at 3pm.
Out of action since the end of May, the Springbok captain will pack down in the back three next to Ernst van Rhyn and No.8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe.
JD Schickerling, who has been operating on the side of the scrum in recent weeks, returns to his favourite position in the middle of the engine room to combine with captain Chris van Zyl.
Schickerling, who is being touted as the next Pieter-Steph du Toit, a player that moved from lock to flank with success, says he still prefers operating at lock.
Schickerling says: “At the moment if they need me at flank, I will play there.
“But obviously I still love playing lock – I still feel that that is my position.
“I’m enjoying it at flank – it’s a bit different, it’s more loose.”
With WP having won just one match of a possible three, Schickerling says it will be important for them to get the better of the Pumas.
He explains: “You have to win each game in the Currie Cup because it’s only one round. The next few games are crucial for us.”
Western Province:
15 Dillyn Leyds, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan Kriel, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Josh Stander, 9 Justin Phillips, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Ernst van Rhyn, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Chris van Zyl (captain), 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Corne Fourie.
Replacements:
16 Chad Solomon, 17 Kwenzo Blose, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Salmaan Moerat, 20 Nama Xaba, 21 Godlen Masimla, 22 Jean-Luc du Plessis, 23 Edwill van der Merwe.
Saturday Currie Cup Fixtures:
Sharks v Cheetahs (3pm)
Golden Lions v Blue Bulls (5.15pm)