Western Province coach John Dobson says he ‘could not be happier’ for Sikhumbuzo Notshe, who will make his first start for the Springboks on Saturday. DYLAN JACK reports.

Notshe has replaced the injured Warren Whiteley for the Test against the Wallabies in Port Elizabeth.

‘It is absolutely brilliant news,’ said Dobson, who has coached Notshe since U21 level. ‘He is a character. Where Notshe has changed is with his work rate on the field. He was always known as a stepper and a carrier.

‘In last year’s Currie Cup final, he played as a No 6 and he was outstanding. I don’t think we saw one carry. He has now got a bit of both.

‘A lot of people say his physicality is not good enough but jeez, does he have intensity. He has matured a lot.

‘Honestly, it is brilliant news and I could not be happier. He puts so much in and is such a good man.’

ALSO READ: Western Province ring the changes

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images