Southern Kings head coach Deon Davids has announced four changes to his starting lineup against the Pulse Energy Highlanders at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday evening.
Most notable among the changes is the inclusion of CJ Velleman at left flank and Malcolm Jaer, at fullback, both of whom have returned from injury. Jaer replaces Jurgen Visser who is still recovering from a concussion sustained during the game against the Jaguares.
Stefan Willemse then shifts from left to right flank, to cover for Thembelani Bholi, who is out for the rest of the Super Rugby season after a knee operation during the June break.
Davids also brought Tom Botha up from the bench to start at Tighthead Prop in place of Jacobie Adriaanse, who is out with a calf strain.
Davids once again rotated flyhalves, with Elgar Watts getting a start while Louis Fouche moves to the bench.
Other changes to the bench include Sti Sithole and Luzuko Vulindlu.
Davids said he was glad to have both Velleman and Jaer back, as both players were itching to get back onto the field of play.
"This is our last home game of the season and we really want to go out there and give our all," he said.
Davids said the last block had always been identified as a tough leg of the competition, but the team was looking forward to playing the last three matches.
"This is a special group of players, who play for each other and for the jersey week in and week out," he said.
The team
15. Malcolm Jaer
14. Lukhanyo Am
13. Stefan Watermeyer
12. Shane Gates (VC)
11. Wandile Mjekevu
10. Elgar Watts
09. Ntando Kebe
08. Aidon Davis
07. Stefan Willemse
06. CJ Velleman
05. JC Astle
04. Steven Sykes (C)
03. Tom Botha
02. Edgar Marutlulle
01. Schalk Ferreira
Reserves
16. Martin Bezuidenhout
17. Sti Sithole
18. Justin Ackerman
19. Schalk Oelofse
20. Jacques Engelbrecht
21. Kevin Luiters
22. Louis Fouche
23. Luzuko Vulindlu
