Coach John Dobson has included six U21 players in Western Province's match-day squad for their Currie Cup opener against the Bulls on Friday.

Wingers Leolin Zas and Khanyo Ngcukana, centre Daniel du Plessis, loose forward Jacques Vermeulen ans lock JD Schickerling are all eligible for the U21 side, but will start for the senior team in the Premier Division at Loftus, while utility back Brandon Thomson is on the bench.

In the backline, Scott van Breda will play fullback, with Huw Jones partnering Du Plessis in midfield. Robert du Preez and Jano Vermaak are the halfback pairing.

In the pack, hooker Scarra Ntubeni will scrum down next to props Wilco Louw and Alistair Vermaak, Schickerling is joined in the second row by captain Chris van Zyl and the back row consists of Vermeulen, Jurie van Vuuren and Rynhardt Elstadt.

Western Province – 15 Scott van Breda, 14 Khanyo Ngcukana, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Daniel du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Jacques Vermeulen, 7 Jurie van Vuuren, 6 Rynhardt Elstadt, 5 Chris van Zyl (c), 4 JD Schickerling, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Alistair Vermaak.
Subs: 16 Chad Solomon, 17 Oli Kebble, 18 JP Smith, 19 Kobus van Dyk, 20 Godlen Masimla, 21 Brandon Thomson, 22 Johnny Kotze.

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images