Taking no Bull: Dobson names strongest line-up

CAPE TOWN: DHL Western Province head coach John Dobson has announced his team for Friday’s 2015 Absa Currie Cup semi-final clash against the Vodacom Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria (kick-off 7.10pm).

Fullback Cheslin Kolbe, winger Seabelo Senatla, centre Johnny Kotze, flanker Rynhardt Elstadt, lock Ruan Botha, prop Steven Kitshoff and hooker Bongi Mbonambi all return to the WP starting XV this week.

Hardman Elstadt’s return was the big news after missing his team’s last four encounters with a thigh problem.

Skipper Juan de Jongh will lead the defending champions into battle in Pretoria, partnering Johnny Kotze in midfield, with Senatla, Dillyn Leyds and Kolbe forming a razor-sharp back three.

Nic Groom and Robert du Preez will combine at halfback, with experienced scrumhalf Jano Vermaak back on the bench after missing WP’s last two matches with a groin strain.

Prop Oli Kebble has shaken off an ankle injury to be named on the bench, where he is joined by lock Chris van Zyl – who, like Kebble, started last Friday’s 45-14 win over the EP Kings at Newlands.

WP boss John Dobson told the www.wprugby.com website: “Having players like Rynhardt and Jano back in our 22 is a big boost for us, given that they’re both experienced players who have played in games of this nature before.

“Our average (matchday squad) age is just over 23; Dillyn Leyds, Johnny Kotze, Rob du Preez, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Wilco Louw, Mikey Willemse, Jurie van Vuuren and Huw Jones are all playing in their first-ever Currie Cup semi-finals – so any additional experience can only help those players and, of course, the team on the whole.

“We have had a short week, but it’s been a sharp one as we look to take on a Blue Bulls team that has been excellent at home this season and, thus, deserving of hosting a home semi-final.”

Meanwhile, the WP Under19 will face up to the Blue Bulls’ U19 in the curtain-raiser to Friday’s semi-final at Loftus Versfeld in their Provincial U19 semifinal, with the WP U21s hosting the Golden Lions in their U21 semi-final at City Park on Saturday (kick-off 2pm). – ANA