Western Province flyhalf Jurie Mathee has cleared concussion protocols to make his season debut against Griquas in Kimberley on Friday
Mathee brings much-needed experience in the No 10 jersey to a youthful WP side that has struggled to keep pace in the 2025 Currie Cup to date. His recovery comes just in time to solve coach Labeeb Levy’s search for someone to replace Junior Springbok flyhalf Kyle Smith, who injured his shoulder in the 40-19 loss to the Lions in Johannesburg.
Behind him, there’s a fresh look to the backline with Sevens speedster Tristan Leyds earning his first start of the campaign at fullback, and former Blitzbok Justin Geduld slotting in at outside centre in another tactical shuffle. Shilton van Wyk and Luke Burger drop to the bench.
Up front, flanker De Wet Marais returns from injury to bolster the loose trio alongside captain Zain Davids, while Mhleli Khuzwayo earns a promotion to the starting XV at loosehead prop
The real buzz, though, is around the next-gen talent on the bench.
Junior Springbok props Oliver Reid and Herman Lubbe are in line to make their senior debuts, while lock Adam de Waal and loose forward Aden da Costa – both of whom impressed in WP’s junior ranks – are also poised to make the step up.
Levy says the mix of experience and youth is designed to deliver an 80-minute performance against a dangerous Griquas outfit.
“There are a few rotations this week and we are looking forward to seeing what the players coming in can add,” said Levy.
“We’ve seen some progress each week, and while Kimberley is always a tough place to play, the challenge now is to build on that and produce the type of rugby we pride ourselves on.”
WP — 15 Tristan Leyds, 14 Sako Makata, 13 Justin Geduld, 12 Damian Markus, 11 Jared Africa, 10 Jurie Matthee, 9 Asad Moos, 8 Louw Nel, 7 De Wet Marais, 6 Zain Davids (captain), 5 Gary Porter, 4 Alex Groves, 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Mhleli Khuzwayo.
Bench: 16 Lukhanyo Vokozela, 17 Oliver Reid, 18 Herman Lubbe, 19 Adam de Waal, 20 Aden da Costa, 21 Ezekiel Ngobeni, 22 Luke Burger, 23 Shilton van Wyk.
