WP shift Schalk to No 8

Western Province coach Kobus van der Merwe has decided to start with Schalk Burger at No 8 in Saturday's Currie Cup clash against the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.

Burger has mostly been used as an openside flank over the past two seasons, but Van der Merwe will keep Hendrik Gerber in the position.

"If we can get Hendrik as number one and Schalk as number two at the breakdowns we can be very effective," said Van der Merwe.

"I'd like to free Schalk up so that he can compete at the breakdowns. Schalk plays well across the field and has a great feel for the game. He can also be a link and ball-carrier."

Burger will replace Adri Badenhorst, with Gerber and Joe van Niekerk retained on the flanks.

One option was to use Van Niekerk at No 8 and Burger on the flank as they line up for the Springboks, but Van der Merwe noted that this would have involved an added change to his starting line-up.

Van Niekerk also performed very well in the weekend's 47-19 win over the Sharks.

There is an additional element of risk about including Burger at No 8 as Badenhorst is the man who provided the leadership at the lineouts. Lock Gerrie Britz will now take over that responsibility.

"Gerrie handled the lineouts in the Super 12. Between him and Schalk they can sort it out. Schalk is an intelligent player. We'll also have Adri on the bench in case things don't go according to plan," said Van der Merwe.

"We considered playing Adri at No 8 with Schalk and Joe on the flanks. It was a tough choice.

"We're basically approaching the game from the perspective that we're underdogs and have nothing to lose."

There also be a reshuffle in the front row, with Pat Barnard returning at tighthead prop.

Barnard has been in excellent form and will be instrumental in keeping the Bulls at bay in the scrums.

Eddie Andrews will thus move to the loosehead, with JD Moller dropping out of the starting 15. Van der Merwe said in spite of the switch that he did not doubt Andrews's ability as a No 3.

"I'm not worried about Eddie at tighthead. He didn't do badly against the Sharks. He was penalised once (for not binding). He may have slipped, but he was definitely bound," said Van der Merwe.

At the back, there is concern over wing Tonderai Chavhanga, who sustained a leg injury against the Sharks.

"He's looking dicy," admitted Van der Merwe. "We'll give him maximum time to prove his fitness."

Gus Theron is likely to start if Chavhanga does not recover in time, with Egon Seconds set to come onto the bench.

There is also uncertainty over whether lock Andries Bekker will be able to take his place in the squad. Rob Linde, who was on the bench against the Sharks, may have to continue in the role.

Van der Merwe said it would be a big blow to the Bulls if a disciplinary committee suspended centre JP Nel for the dangerous tackle he executed against Griquas.

"It couldn't happen to nicer guys," joked Van der Merwe when told about the citing that has disrupted the Bulls' preparations.

"JP is worth a lot in midfield. He's an intimidating guy... one of the better centres in South Africa. I expect that he will be cleared."

Possible WP team:

Werner Greeff (capt), Tonderai Chavhanga, Jean de Villiers, De Wet Barry, Zhahier Ryland, Peter Grant, Neil de Kock, Schalk Burger, Joe van Niekerk, Hendrik Gerber, Gerrie Britz, Ross Skeate, Pat Barnard, Federico Mendez, Eddie Andrews.