Springbok hooker Scarra Ntubeni welcome addition to WP team to play Bulls in Currie Cup semi

Springbok hooker Scarra Ntubeni is a welcome addition to the Western Province team for their Currie Cup semifinal against the Blue Bulls on Friday.

Ntubeni has recovered from injury as one of two changes to the starting team for the 7pm  clash at Loftus Versfeld. The other change is also in the front row with tighthead Sazi Sandi joining Ntubeni, while Neethling Fouche will have to come off the bench.

Western Province also tweaked their extended bench with hooker Andre-Hugo Venter and fullback Warrick Gelant in the group of 24.

Western Province coach John Dobson still had a spring in his step after his team's win over the Sharks in Durban to secure their place in the last four.

He was also chuffed that he is able to build familiar combinations.

“We were pleased with the way the team stood up last week and we will need to show the same pride in the jersey up in Pretoria on Friday, so we are very happy to be going in with most of the same combinations.

“We know that we will have to be accurate in all areas of our game and every player in our match day squad is ready to give everything they have to get the result we need and book a place in the final,” he said.

Gelant, who has spent the bulk of the season on the sidelines, is making a return from injury. Though he is short of game time he may yet make a telling contribution to his team's surge for Currie Cup glory.

In the other semifinal, the Sharks will be hosting Griquas on Saturday.

Western Province - Sergeal Petersen; Ruhan Nel, Juan de Jongh, Dan du Plessis, Edwill van der Merwe; Tim Swiel, Paul de Wet; Hacjivah Dayimani, Marcel Theunissen, Deon Fourie; Johan du Toit, Ernst van Rhyn (captain); Sazi Sandi, Scarra Ntubeni, Leon Lyons.

Substitutes (from): Andre-Hugo Venter, Dian Bleuler, Neethling Fouche, Justin Basson, Nama Xaba; Godlen Masimla, Rikus Pretorius, Tristan Leyds, Warrick Gelant.