Eastern Province will be relying heavily on the leadership skills of captain Shaun Nel to pull them through to victory in their Absa Currie Cup first division rugby match against the Leopards at the EPRU stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Elephants came within two points of upsetting the Pumas when they lost 32-30 in Witbank last weekend.
They’ll be keen to go one better on home soil on Saturday and will be looking towards Nel for an inspirational performance from the side of the scrum.
Nel combined well with fellow loose forwards Sebastian Hilpert and Michael Vermaak last weekend and they’ll be looking for a repeat performance against the Leopards.
Flyhalf Michael Gallinetti, fullback Elrich van Vuuren and wing Norman Nelson have provided the much-needed penetration in the backline and while centre Noel de Villiers has the ability to punch holes in the opposition defences.
The EP team named on Thursday is:
Elrich van Vuuren, Norman Nelson, Noel de Villiers, Claud Arendse, Eckhard Jacobs, Michael Gallinetti, Clayton Gawie; Michael Vermaak, Sebastian Hilpert, Shaun Nel (capt), Michael Van Huyssteen, Andries Smit, Barend van der Walt, Paul Serfontein, Petros Methula.
Reserves: Neil Jacobs, Tashrique Hearn, Ashley Viviers, Elroy Ligman, Sinethemba Jack, Deon Booysen, Ricardo van Wyk.
Sapa – CurrieCupRugby.com
