Western Province coach Gert Smal has made six changes to the starting line-up that thrashed the SWD Eagles 63-19 three weeks ago for Saturday's all-important clash against the Pumas in Cape Town.

Most of the returning Springboks have been included in the starting line-up with the exception of Robbie Fleck, who is out injured, and Robbie Kempson, who will start off the bench.

In the backline, winger Breyton Paulse comes in for the equally speedy Egon Seconds, Braam van Straaten replaces Werner Greef at inside centre, and Bok bench-warmer Neil de Kock gets his chance at the expense of the impressive Johannes Conradie.

Bok captain Bob Skinstad will play his first game for Western Province in two years - the last having been against the Griffons in 1999 - replacing Adri Badenhorst at No 8. Hendrik Gerber returns from injury to oust Pietie Ferreira at flank, while Cobus Visagie comes in for Morne van der Merwe.

Toks van der Linde will pack down in the front row alongside Visagie and hooker Charl Marais, with Kempson sure to get a run on what looks to be a wet Fedsure Park Newlands.

Saturday's game sees the two frontrunners in Section Y come up against each other. The winner of this encounter will have a distinct advantage come the latter stages of the competition, with points against fellow progressing teams also carried over.

Fedsure WP: Percy Montgomery, Breyton Paulse, Gus Theron, Braam van Straaten, Pieter Rossouw, Chris Rossouw, Neil de Kock, Bob Skinstad, Corne Krige (capt), Hendrik Gerber, Thys Stoltz, Quinton Davids, Cobus Visagie, Charl Marais, Toks van der Linde. Substitutes: Peter Dixon, Robbie Kempson, Hottie Louw, Adri Badenhorst, Johannes Conradie, Werner Greef, Egon Seconds.