Noel Marx replaces Charles Hitchcock at fullback in one of the changes in the team that defeated University of Fort Hare 28-18. The latter moves to right centre, in place of Johan van Schalkwyk who moves to wing.
Moekoa Bofolo replaces Frans Sisita (struggling with flue and not travelling with the team) at left flank. Lyvette Shikwambana moves to right lock, replacing Johann Grundlingh who shifts to right flank.
Dean Kouprianoff who started at right flank against Fort Hare will don the number eight jersey.
Deon Gouws has also been included in the starting line-up in place of Daniel de Jager who drops to the bench. This forms part of coach Skillie Bester’s rotation policy in the build-up to the final on the 31st of the month.
First choice players will be given less playing time in order to be at full strength for the final in the City of Roses.
Ixias will face the UKZN-Impi side which they narrowly defeated 26-25 in their opening match of the tournament in Bloemfontein.
Ixias’ win over Fort Hare assured them of a home final, face John Mitchell’s side whose looking to secure their spot in the final.
Ixias: Noel Marx, Kholo Ramashala (capt), Charles Hitchcock, Johan Nel, Johan van Schalkwyk, Duan Pretorius; Stephen Griesel, Dean Kouprianoff, Johann Grundlingh, Moekoa Bofolo, Lyvette Shikwambana, Fanie Coetzer, Danie van der Merwe, Deon Gouws, Len Noort. Replacements: Danie de Jager, Gerhard Baard, Vincent Maruping, Theuns Truter, Marius Grobler, Alec Mhlanga, Mosego Toolo, Hanro Liebenberg.
