DHL Western Province head coach Allister Coetzee has released an injury report after his team’s brave 29-18 Absa Currie Cup win over the Vodacom Blue Bulls at the weekend.
WP’s win, their fourth of the season, was their first Currie Cup triumph at Loftus Versfeld since 2006 and there are not too many injury concerns ahead of their next clash – against GWK Griquas at DHL Newlands this Friday.
The full DHL Western Province injury report (16/09/13):
– Flyhalf Gary van Aswegen (knee) had a scan today. More will be known tomorrow, but he is the biggest worry for coach Allister Coetzee at this stage, ahead of Tuesday’s team announcement.
– Flanker Rynhardt Elstadt (shoulder) is the only other injury worry after the weekend.
– Lock Tazz Fuzani is good to go after being replaced in the 33rd minute against the Bulls.
– Flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis (shoulder) is fit and ready and will come back into the selection frame for this weekend.
– Squad captain Deon Fourie (ribs) will miss this weekend’s clash. It is hoped to have him back for next Friday’s Cheetahs match in Bloemfontein.
– Hooker Tiaan Liebenberg (back) will miss the remainder of the 2013 Absa Currie Cup season. He needs a complete break for the next two to three months and will be assessed again then. However, he is consulting another specialist this week for a second opinion.
QUOTES FROM ALLISTER COETZEE:
On lock Tazz Fuzani who made his debut against the Bulls:
“It was always our intention to play Tazz (Fuzani) for 30/40 minutes against the Bulls, but it looked like he took a knock just as we replaced him. It was always our plan to take him off and he will play longer this weekend. I was very pleased with his debut, he fulfilled the role he was picked for.”
On the leadership of lock De Kock Steenkamp (in the absence of Deon Fourie):
“De Kock Steenkamp led the side excellently and it was a real achievement to beat the Bulls when we only had 14 players on the field. I know what everyone says about this Bulls side being young, but they are still a Bulls team at Loftus Versfeld, and to win there takes some doing at any time. To do so when reduced to 14 men was particularly noteworthy and a massive confidence booster.”
On facing GWK Griquas at DHL Newlands on Friday (kick-off 19h10):
“The 2013 Absa Currie Cup competition is far from over. You don’t want to be remembered as the team that beat the Bulls in Pretoria and lost at home the next. This is a good Griquas side and you have to respect them.”
On preparations this week:
“It’s a short week, so today was focused on recovery and flush outs. We had all our meetings today and did our homework for the Griquas game and will resume full training tomorrow.”
***CLICK HERE for a photo gallery from Saturday’s win in Pretoria!***
* Match tickets for Friday’s clash against Griquas at DHL Newlands (kick-off 19h10) can be purchased online, by clicking here, from Postnet Outlets or the Newlands Box Office from Tuesday onwards.
Tickets are now also available at the following Western Cape SPAR stores: Old Oak SPAR, SPAR Philippi, SPAR Century & Plattekloof SUPERSPAR, with ALL Western Cape SPAR stores to follow over the next few weeks.
Ticket prices start at just R35 (for standing), with seating tickets priced from R65 to R95. Scholars tickets can be purchased directly from the WP Rugby offices.
