WP Rugby Shock! Can They Roar Back Against the Lions in Joburg?

DHL Western Province coach Labeeb Levy is backing his charges to bounce back in Joburg this weekend against the ADT Lions in the Carling Currie Cup. After a tough defeat at DHL Stadium against the Vodacom Bulls, where a more experienced Bulls team dominated the forward exchanges, WP is looking to improve and show their potential.

Despite the loss, Levy saw encouraging signs in the second half performance. The focus on individual player development remains a key priority for WP in this competition, and several players impressed. Replacement wing Sako Matata, in particular, earned a starting spot on the right wing this week after a strong showing.

There are a few changes to the team this week. Jared Africa comes in on the left wing, and Zachary Porthen, last year's Junior Bok captain, starts at tighthead. Gideon van Wyk joins at blindside flank, while Louw Nel, who has Vodacom United Rugby Championship experience, moves to No.8.

Levy has opted for continuity, keeping the bulk of the team together to build on their experience. Highly-rated Gino Cupido is on the bench, and the coach hopes that the team's familiarity will be an advantage against a strong Lions team that convincingly beat the Sharks XV in their opening match.

The selected team is: Shilton van Wyk, Sako Matata, Luke Burger, Damian Markus, Jared Africa, Ky...

Key Matchups and What to Watch For

• The forward battle: WP needs to match the Lions' physicality.
• The impact of the new players: Can Porthen and Van Wyk make a difference?
• WP's second-half surge: Can they maintain that momentum for the full 80 minutes?

Coach Levy's Take

"We learnt a lot from the Bulls game, and we're focused on improving our performance. The Lions are a tough team, but we believe in our players and our plan," said Coach Levy.