Williams rings changes to counter Highlanders pack

Cats rugby coach Chester Williams has included the quick Schalk Brits at hooker against the Highlanders in their Super 12 match at Ellis Park, Johannesburg, on Saturday morning (NZT).

Brits is eager for action after warming the bench in the matches against the Hurricanes, Waratahs and the Brumbies.

He started the first match against the Bulls because Naka Drotske was sidelined by a knee injury.

Williams made several changes from last week's team, among them Eddie Fredericks, who will take over as right wing from Dewey Swartbooi.

Lawrence Sephaka will play loosehead in place of Os du Randt, who is nursing an arm injury.

"You choose your team according to your opponents. The Highlanders have a big pack, but they are mobile as they showed against the Sharks last week. That is why we need speed," Williams said.

Cats: Conrad Jantjes, Eddie Fredericks, Jaque Fourie, Wayne Julies, Chumani Booi, Andre Pretorius, Michael Claassens, Juan Smith, Wikus van Heerden (captain), Cobus Grobbelaar, Barend Pieterse, Boela du Plooy, Marius Hurter, Schalk Brits, Lawrence Sephaka. Replacements: Naka Drotske orRich Verster, Os du Randt or CJ van der Linde, Gordon Gilfillan, Hendro Scholtz, Paul Delport/Nicholas Eyre, Tiaan Snyman, Dewey Swartbooi

Highlanders: Ben Blair, Glen Horton, Anthony Tuitavake, Seilala Mapusua, Matt Saunders, Cameron McIntyre, Jimmy Cowan, Paul Miller, Josh Blackie, Craig Newby, James Ryan, Tom Donnelly, Carl Hayman, Anton Oliver (captain), Carl Hoeft. Replacements: Mahonri Schwalger, Clarke Dermody, Filipo Levi, Grant Webb, Toby Morland, Jason Shoemark, Neil Brew.

- NZPA