Leyds at wing shows how ‘problematic’ WP back three has been

IT’S AN unfamiliar position Western Province find themselves in at the moment.

While they have a number of costly injuries, they are still in the favourable position of having selection headaches for the right reasons heading into their Currie Cup opener.

For the defending champions’ home game against the Free State Cheetahs tomorrow (5.15pm kickoff ), Dillyn Leyds will captain the team, while SP Marais will start at fullback, with JJ Engelbrecht on the right wing and Sergeal Petersen set to make his Province debut should he come off the bench.

In the midfield, Blitzbok Ruhan Nel partners up with Dan Kriel, with the promising Dan du Plessis on the bench.

Josh Stander will form the halfback pairing with Jano Vermaak, with the exciting Herschel Jantjies providing scrumhalf cover.

The selection of Engelbrecht and Leyds on the wing has kept the likes of Craig Barry and Duncan Saal out of the matchday squad, while coach John Dobson admitted that this week required a “horses for courses” selection, especially given the fact that there is no time for slip-ups in the single-round Currie Cup – every game, especially your home games, is a must win.

“Dillyn starting on the wing should show just how problematic the back three has been, the balancing of the backs is a good problem to have,” Dobson said.

On his midfield selections, Dobson said: “Ruhan did not go on tour as he got married during that period. I don’t know when last we had one but he certainly has the potential to become a double Springbok.”

Up front, Sikhumbuzo Notshe has returned from the Springbok camp to take up his spot place in the loose trio alongside Kobus van Dyk and last year’s World Rugby Under-20 Championship Player of the Tournament, Juarno Augustus.

In the second row Salmaan Moerat will partner JD Schickerling, with Ernst van Rhyn on the bench.

Props Ali Vermaak and promising tighthead Michael Kumbirai will start on either side of hooker Scarra Ntubeni, with Caylib Oosthuizen, Neethling Fouche and Chad Solomon on the bench.