Bongi Mbonambi replaces Scarra Ntubeni at hooker in the only change to Western Province’s starting XV for Friday's clash against the Vodacom Blue Bulls.

In a rotational swap, Mbonambi has been named to start against his former team at Newlands, with Ntubeni dropping to the reserves.

'Bongi is deserved of a start against his old team and we’re looking to Scarra to provide a similar impact to Bongi’s off the bench this week,' said coach John Dobson.

No 8 Nizaam Carr is fit again and will return to action via the bench, with scrumhalf Nic Groom retaining the captain's armband for this week.

After an impressive display against the Sharks, flyhalf Robert du Preez earns his second successive start, while Kurt Coleman is still sidelined with a calf strain.

'Kurt is obviously still out, but Robert did nicely last week and it’s a great opportunity for him to start his first Currie Cup match at Newlands,' Dobson added.

Western Province – 15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Dillyn Leyds, 13 Johnny Kotze, 12 Huw Jones, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Nic Groom (c), 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Rynhardt Elstadt, 6 Chris Cloete, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Subs: 16 Scarra Ntubeni, 17 Oli Kebble, 18 Chris van Zyl, 19 Nizaam Carr, 20 Jano Vermaak, 21 Demetri Catrakilis, 22 Kobus van Wyk.

Photo: Carl Fourie/Gallo Images