Godlen Masimla will make his first Currie Cup start for Western Province against the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Friday.

The scrumhalf replaces Nic Groom, who is on Barbarians duty in London, while in the other two changes, Kobus van Wyk comes in for Dillyn Leyds on the right wing and Alistair Vermaak starts at loosehead prop in place of the injured Oli Kebble.

WP coach John Dobson said they were determined to respond with a positive performance after last weekend's loss to the Vodacom Blue Bulls.

'We all know what Kobus van Wyk is capable of with his direct running from the wing, but as a coaching staff we’re particularly excited about Godlen Masimla’s first start at this level. Dawie Snyman and I first spotted him as a raw 20-year-old in 2012 and he has come through the ranks… this is a great opportunity for him to show what he can do.'

Fit-again Louis Schreuder is the new scrumhalf replacement and he will be joined on the bench by Currie Cup debutant JP Smith – the new prop replacement – and lock Jan de Klerk, who comes in for the injured Chris van Zyl (knee).

Western Province – 15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Johnny Kotze, 12 Jaco Taute, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Demetri Catrakilis, 9 Godlen Masimla, 8 Nizaam Carr (c), 7 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 6 Rynhardt Elstadt, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Alistair Vermaak.
Subs: 16 Scarra Ntubeni, 17 JP Smith, 18 Jan de Klerk, 19 Chris Cloete, 20 Louis Schreuder, 21 Kurt Coleman, 22 Dillyn Leyds.

Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix