Watson to captain Western Province

The most controversial player in South Africa Luk Watson will captain Western Province from number eight gainst The Lions at Newlands on Saturday.

The most controversial player in South Africa Luk Watson will captain Western Province from number eight eight against The Lions at Newlands on Saturday.

Watson is known for his forthright views on the state of his nation, never shying away from his stance on the battle for equality in his homeland, much to the chagrin of many traditional Afrikaners.

The most notable exceptions from the side are the missing Springboks, but lock Anton Van Zyl, full-back Joe Pietersen and centres Morgan Newman and Peter Grant are quality players.

WESTERN PROVINCE (v The Lions):

15 Joe Pietersen, 14 Tonderai Chavhanga, 13 Morgan Newman, 12 Peter Grant, 11 Gcobani Bobo, 10 Willem De Waal, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Luke Watson (capt), 7 Duane Vermeulen, 6 Pieter Louw, 5 Anton Van Zyl, 4 Martin Muller, 3 Brok Harris, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 Wicus Blaauw.

Replacements: 16 Hanyani Shimange, 17 JD Moller, 18 De Kock Steenkamp, 19 Zandre Jordaan, 20 Conrad Hoffmann, 21 JJ Engelbrecht, 22 Gio Aplon.