'Kakkerlakkie' can bug Lions again

Western Province coach Kobus van der Merwe is hoping that Zhahier "Kakkerlakkie" Ryland can turn back the clock to last year when he runs out against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Ryland scored a hat trick of tries in the corresponding fixture last season as WP romped to a 38-23 victory and, after his try-scoring cameo off the bench in WP's 66-13 win against the Falcons, has made it into the starting line-up this week at the expense of Joe Pietersen.

"Zhahier has done well against the Lions before. He and Egon (Seconds) both did well on Saturday," said Van der Merwe.

The only other change will see Gerrie Britz return to the side in place of Selborne Boome, whose knee injury will sideline him this week.

Province are nevertheless expected to name two locks on the bench, with Francois van der Merwe and Ross Skeate both ready after sitting out last week with respective shoulder and ankle injuries.

Van der Merwe will also stick with Paul Delport at scrumhalf as Bolla Conradie is struggling with an Achilles injury.

Schalk Ferreira's impressive form against the Falcons will also see him keep his place at loosehead prop, though JD Moller will be on the bench and should start again come the play-offs.

Province can virtually assure themselves of a home semifinal with a win, while the Lions are fighting to stay in the hunt.

Eugene Eloff's side have won their last six matches, but are still four points behind the fourth-placed Bulls as a result of their horrid start.

"It will be war," Van der Merwe said in good old-fashioned Currie Cup-speak.

"The Lions will come with everything they've got, while we can secure a home semifinal.

"They are in very good form having won six consecutive games. The momentum is on their side. It's going to be bloody tough. They've been scoring lots of tries.

"The Lions, in their last four games, had built up big leads by halftime, and we're going to have to fight off that initial onslaught."

Province, of course, failed to do that in their previous outing against the Lions at Newlands, but still managed to fight their way back from 22-7 down to win 30-28.

Jacques van der Westhuyzen reports that Eloff could change up to half his team from the one that narrowly beat Griquas at the weekend.

"It's a really big game, I have to select my strongest side. There are obviously certain guys who'll come back into the mix," said Eloff.

One of those is Springbok flyhalf André Pretorius, who will take over from one of Eloff's success stories this year, Jaco van Schalkwyk.

"André is the Springbok flyhalf after all and we all know what he's capable of... He's one of the best in the world. Only a stupid guy wouldn't pick him," explained Eloff.

He added that in the interests of South African rugby, it was also critical that Pretorius play as much rugby as possible.

"He hasn't played all that much rugby this season because of injury and seeing he'll be the flyhalf for the Boks in November, it's important he plays."

Besides the change at No 10, Eloff is set to restore Jano Vermaak at scrumhalf.

Up to five changes are expected in the forwards. The whole front row is set to be overhauled, with Bertus Smit, Ethienne Reynecke and Heinke van der Merwe returning, while Anton van Zyl is likely to be fit to come in at lock.

And with No 8 Ernst Joubert out because of a cheek injury, Pietie Ferreira or Roland Bernard will get a chance against the formidable WP back row.

Possible WP team

Gio Aplon, Sireli Naqelevuki, Sarel Potgieter, Corné Uys, Zhahier Ryland, Naas Olivier, Paul Delport, Robbie Diack, Pieter Louw, Luke Watson (capt), Gerrie Britz, Andries Bekker, Brock Harris, Tiaan Liebenberg, Schalk Ferreira.

Substitutes: Huia Edmonds, JD Moller, Francois van der Merwe, Ross Skeate, Francois Louw, Bolla Conradie, Joe Pietersen.