Worsie back at the back for UJ
Namibian Rugby World Cup star, Theuns 'Worsie' Kotze, is back to full fitness and has been named at fullback for FNB UJ, who will entertain FNB UCT in Varsity Cup Round Two action in Johannesburg on Monday.
Kotze replaces Chrysander Botha at fullback, in a new-look UJ back three, with the latter moving to the left-wing and JR Estherhuizen moving up from the bench to start at right-wing. Aubrey McDonald will warm the bench.
Former Shark Guy Cronjé will continue at flyhalf - despite the return of Worsie - and he will be partnered at halfback by the nippy Rudi Paige who has swapped places (from the bench) with Jacques Pretorius.
In other changes - after this week's disappointing 8-23 defeat at the hands of FNB Tuks - captain Justin Wheeler, at No.8, will have new flanks in the shape of Jaco Kriel and Johan van Deventer, with Wendal Wehr missing out altogether.
UCT have not lost to UJ in Johannesburg - beating them 34-31 in 2008 and 30-23 in 2010 - in the history of the Varsity Cup, but the Men in Orange will remember last year's 34-22 win over the Ikeys in Cape Town.
Monday's match, which will not be televised, kicks-off at 7pm at the UJ Stadium.
The FNB UJ team: 15 Theuns 'Worsie' Kotze, 14 JR Esterhuizen, 13 Luan Steenkamp, 12 Divan van Zyl, 11 Chrysander Botha, 10 Guy Cronjé, 9 Rudi Paige, 8 Justin Wheeler (captain), 7 Jaco Kriel, 6 Johan van Deventer, 5 Sebastian de Chaves, 4 Shane Kirkwood, 3 Jaco Vermeulen, 2 Francois du Toit, 1 Ruan Dreyer.
Replacements: 16 Shaun Malton, 17 Niabulo Mkize, 18 Marnus van Huyssteen, 19 Dylan Peterson, 20 Jacques Pretorius, 21 Justin St. Jerry, 22 Aubrey McDonald, 23 Heinrich Terblanche.
Head coach: Hugo van As
Date: Monday, February 13
Venue: UJ Stadium, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 7pm
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant referees: Izan Dippenaar, Ruaan du Preez
TMO: Shaun Veldsman
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