Last-minute changes ahead of semis
Henko Marais will make his first appearance in the starting 15 for the iCollege Pumas in the SuperSport Rugby Challenge (SSRC) ahead of tonight’s clash against the Cell C Sharks XV at Mbombela Stadium.
Ruwellyn Isbell will reach a milestone in the pink and grey jersey, as he will play in his 50th match.
Marais was not part of the team which defeated the Vodacom Blue Bulls last week in the quarter-finals of the challenge.
He will replace Jerome Pretorius on outside centre, who will play off the bench. Head coach of the Pumas, Brent Janse van Rensburg made a last-minute change to the team, with Hilton Lobberts not available for selection.
Stefan Willemse moves to right flanker with Le Roux Roets, who will get his start on left lock.
Simon Westraadt replaces De-Jay Terblanche on loose head prop.
Justin van Staden is part of the starting 15 which sees Devon Williams moving to the bench.
During the Pumas’ last warm-up match against the Sharks, which was played at White River Rugby Club, they attempted an epic comeback after trailing 5-36 at half-time, but at the end the visitors eased to victory, winning the friendly encounter 33-50.
The Tafel Lager Griquas will host the Toyota Free State XV in Kimberley, to determine the other finalist of the SSRC.
The eventual winner will become the new champion, after the Toyota Free State XV knocked out defending champions, DHL Western Province, on Sunday with their 26-20 victory in the fourth quarter-final match of the weekend.
