Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will start for Western Province in their Currie Cup match against the Pumas at Newlands on Friday.

Kolisi will earn just his 30th cap for Province in his first game since 2014 after successfully recovering from a knee injury.

The 28-year-old is in the No 6 jersey, with Ernst van Rhyn starting at blindside flank and Sikhumbuzo Notshe at No 8.

As a result, JD Schickerling moves back to his regular position at lock, with Salmaan Moerat set to make an impact in the second half off the bench. Springbok tighthead Wilco Louw is also back in the starting lineup.

In the backline, Justin Phillips is at scrumhalf, with Sergeal Petersen making his first start of the season on the wing.

There is a potential Currie Cup debut for loose forward Nama Xaba from the bench, with prop Neethling Fouche getting his first opportunity of the campaign and flyhalf Jean-Luc du Plessis back among the replacements.

Western Province – 15 Dillyn Leyds, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan Kriel, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Josh Stander, 9 Justin Phillips, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Ernst van Rhyn, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Chris van Zyl (c), 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Corne Fourie.
Subs: 16 Chad Solomon, 17 Kwenzo Blose, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Salmaan Moerat, 20 Nama Xaba, 21 Godlen Masimla, 22 Jean-Luc du Plessis, 23 Edwill van der Merwe.

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images