We’ve yet to hear a verdict from Deon Fourie’s “face contact” disciplinary hearing, but it matters not as far as Western Province’s team for this weekend’s clash against the Bulls goes. The regular captain has been pulled from the team in any case, citing a rib injury.
The armband goes to lock De Kock Steenkamp for the Loftus trip, with A back-row reshuffle seeing Rynhardt Elstadt moving to the unfamiliar number 6 jersey, to allow Mike Rhodes to start at 7. Rather than the spare locking spot (occupied by Rhodes last week) going to Gerbrand Grobler, Province have opted to bring in a club player, Taz Fuzani, to make his Currie Cup debut in the number 4 shirt.
The backline and replacement bench are unchanged, meaning a second successive week out for Tiaan Liebenberg as Scarra Ntubeni and Mike Willemse share the hooking duties.
Western Province:
15. Gio Aplon
14. Gerhard van den Heever
13. Juan de Jongh
12. Damian de Allende
11. Cheslin Kolbe
10. Kurt Coleman
9. Louis Schreuder (vice-captain)
8. Nizaam Carr
7. Michael Rhodes
6. Rynhardt Elstadt
5. De Kock Steenkamp (captain)
4. Taz Fuzani
3. Pat Cilliers
2. Scarra Ntubeni
1. Steven Kitshoff
Replacements:
16. Michael Willemse
17. Brok Harris
18. Gerbrandt Grobler
19. Rohan Kitshoff
20. Nic Groom
21. Gary van Aswegen
22. Michael van der Spuy

Fourie has been cleared for the eye gouge.
Well of course he was cleared – because he didnt do it!
Come on now – Fourie is one of SA’s cleanest players. We shouldnt rush to besmirch the character of one of our finest.
@VinChainSaw (Comment 2) : Seriously Vinnie, who is besmirching anyone. Article said there was no verdict yet, and Pokkel said he was cleared. Nobody saying any more than that. I’m afraid you are a little too sensitive.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 3) : either that or he’s just stirring 🙂
How you doing, DB? Been too long!
Hi Rob. Has been a long time. Busy busy busy. Getting married on November 3. I suppose I will give this marriage thing one more chance. 😉 Hope all is well with you and yours.
I never doubted he would be cleared. Rock solid reputation. Would have loved to see him in green and gold as one of the squad’s fetchers.
so he stuck his finger in his own eye 😳
Netball player luv bite