Flyhalf Jurie Mathee has recovered from his concussion and has been declared fit to face Griquas in the WP No 10 jersey on Friday.

Mathee brings much-needed experience to a youthful Western Province side who’ve struggled to keep up with some of the more established teams in this year’s Currie Cup campaign. His recovery comes just in time for coach Labeeb Levy, as he can now replace Junior Springbok flyhalf Kyle Smith, who injured his shoulder in WP’s 40-19 loss to the Lions in Johannesburg.

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Behind him, there’s a fresh look to the backline with Sevens stalwart Tristan Leyds earning his first start of the campaign at fullback, and former Blitzbok Justin Geduld slotting in at outside centre in another strategic shuffle. Luke Burger drops down to the bench.

Up front, flanker De Wet Marais returns from injury to bolster the loose trio alongside captain Zain Davids, while Mhleli Khuzwayo earns a promotion to the starting XV at loosehead prop.

Five changes to our starting XV for the Carling Currie Cup clash in Kimberley on Friday afternoon.

📢 Team announcement https://t.co/V0gB6tLqdP#GRIvWP #wpjoulekkerding pic.twitter.com/cQywUJWSBm

— WP RUGBY (@WP_RUGBY) August 7, 2025

The real buzz, though, is around the next-gen talent on the bench.

Junior Springbok props Oliver Reid and Herman Lubbe are in line to make their senior debuts, while lock Adam de Waal and loose forward Aden da Costa – both of whom impressed in WP’s junior ranks – are also poised to make the step up.

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Levy says the mix of experience and youth is designed to deliver an 80-minute performance against a dangerous Griquas outfit.

“There are a few rotations this week and we are looking forward to seeing what the players coming in can add,” said Levy.

“We’ve seen some progress each week, and while Kimberley is always a tough place to play, the challenge now is to build on that and produce the type of rugby we pride ourselves on.”

Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images