Tristan Leyds aims to ignite Western Province’s attack against Griquas in Currie Cup clash

Western Province roped in the experience of Jurie Matthee at flyhalf for their Currie Cup clash against Griquas on Friday in Kimberley (3pm start).

Head coach Labeeb Levy made an additional four changes to the side that was beaten by the Lions this past weekend as they look to turn around their poor start to the season against a revitalised Northern Cape side.

Province is currently winless after two matches and will target the clash against the Peacock Blues to kickstart their campaign.

Matthee picked up a concussion in the pre-season and is finally fit to take up the flyhalf role. He is expected to provide greater stability in their ranks as he steps in for the injured Kyle Smith. Springbok Sevens veteran Justin Geduld takes over as outside centre, while playmaker Tristan Leyds, also a Sevens star, will get his first start at fullback.

It is expected that Leyds will also feature at first receiver for WP to spark their attack. He has added an extra dynamic with the ball in hand in both of their previous two games when he came on as a replacement.

“Our whole plan is to create cohesion on the side, and that is why we decided last week to give Shilton an extended run at the back. We were always going to bring Tristan in after a couple of games,” Levy explained the change at fullback.

“We are not dropping Shilton in any way. Tristan can bring his dimension to his game when he gets that opportunity. We’ve told the group there will be opportunities given based on how you train and play and the standards you produce.

“He (Leyds) has done that, especially at training and he has received his opportunity to shine.”

Levy stressed that they are taking the Currie Cup seriously and the improvement over the last two games, against teams stacked with players who have plenty of experience in the United Rugby Championship (URC), shows it.

WP is tackling the competition with mostly junior and amateur players, with a bit of experience in between. However, their coach emphasises that they do not distinguish between the players. He is expecting another tough encounter against Griquas on Friday, but they are prepared for it.

Captain Zain Davids said they are highly motivated for the challenge because they want to get the win after two losses.

“Despite the start, the guys are pitching up with plenty of energy and we just have to keep that at a consistent level,” Davids said.

Western Province: 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.

Replacements: 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.