Faasen last started in UP-Tuks’ opening match in die 2013 series. That was against Pukke, a match that UP-Tuks lost 23-26. Faasen’s fly half in that match, Willie du Plessis also makes his return in the No 10 jersey to fill the key position that became vacant after first choice Tian Schoeman sustained a serious ankle injury in the match against Maties. He underwent an operation on Wednesday and will be side lined for at least two months.

19 year Pollard will get his first start and one can take it for granted that it will to a great extend be up to him to get the punch back in the midfield — in attack and defence. Pollard is an incredibly gifted player who has already proven his ability to rise to the occasion time after time.

The fourth chance in the backline is at right wing where Vainon Willis makes his return after injuring his hamstring in the match against Ikeys.

Up front Jono Ross takes over from Wesley Kotze at No 8. Ross, who will also captain the side, last played against Pukke. He left the field in the opening 10 minutes after sustaining a shoulder injury.
Injured Jacques Verwey, who would have played in his 50th match for UP-Tuks, is replaced at flank by Jacques du Plessis. The other chance in the pack is in the front row where Basil Short takes over from Hencus van Wyk.

The team is:

15 Clayton Blommetjies; 14 Vainon Willis; 13 William Small-Smith (v-c), 12 Handré Pollard, 11 Courtnall Skosan; 10 Willie du Plessis, 9 Danie Faasen; 8 Jono Ross ©, 7 Jacques du Plessis, 6 Shaun Adendorff, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Paul Willemse, 3 Basil Short, 2 Bongo Mbonambi, 1 Juan Schoeman. REPLACEMENTS: 16 Jaco Visagie, 17 Andrew Beerwinkel, 18 Schalk van Heerden, 19 Wesley Kotze, 20 Emile Temperman, 21 Riaan Britz, 22 Piet Lindeque.