Western Province coach Labeeb Levy says his young team is determined to show progress against a strong Lions outfit at Ellis Park on Saturday.

WP are coming off a 48-23 opening-round defeat to the Vodacom Bulls in Cape Town and have made several changes, with Sako Makata and Jared Africa replacing Courtnall Skosan and Quewin Nortje on the wings, Zachary Porthen starting at tighthead prop, Gideon van Wyk at blindside flank, and Louw Nel shifting to No 8.

“The changes on the wings were forced by injury,” Levy explained. “But it’s also an opportunity for players like Jared and Sako, who impressed in training. We’ve also brought in Gideon, and Zach is excited after being out for a few weeks.”

TEAM: WP tweak team, keep key combos

While a Lions team featuring several URC players hammered the a young Sharks side 46-5 in their opener, Levy believes his side can compete in Joburg.

“This tournament is about exposing new players, but we also want to perform well. We saw glimpses of what we’re capable of last week, and now it’s about building on that. Winning helps, but the main thing is to grow quickly as a group.”

Captain Zain Davids said WP had learned from last week’s loss.

“There were a lot of debuts and some guys were playing Currie Cup for the first time, so there were nerves. The yellow cards didn’t help, but that’s in the past.

“We’ve parked that result and our focus this week is on our discipline and executing the plan the coaches have given us.”

TEAM: Star loosie starts for Lions

Levy said the Bulls clash showed exactly where teams will target WP.

“We expect the Lions to test us at the set piece and also with their kicking game, which is very effective. We’ve prepared for both. For us, it’s about improving in those areas and sticking to our style.”

PREVIEW: Bulls, Sharks headline big Currie Cup weekend

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