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Brache passed fit for quarterfinal

PUBLISHED: May 3, 2013


DHL Western Province captain Marcel Brache has been passed fit to lead his team into battle in tomorrow’s Vodacom Cup quarterfinal against GWK Griquas at DHL Newlands (15h30).

Brache has been battling with a quad-muscle injury for the past two weeks, missing games against SWD and Free State, but he came through Friday’s captain’s run with flying colours.

DHL WP coach John Dobson said: “It’s a big boost for us – Marcel is an important leader and figure in our backline, so it’s a relief to have him there tomorrow.”

Whilst the news on Brache was good, experienced scrumhalf Bolla Conradie could still miss Saturday’s knock-out game. Conradie, who has captained the team in Brache’s absence, is struggling with a calf-muscle injury.

Conradie will be given until kick-off on Saturday to prove his fitness. If he does not play, Godlen Masimla will start at scrumhalf, with Rick Schroeder set to warm the bench.

“Bolla has been a central figure for us this season – his experience, in an otherwise inexperienced and young side, has been invaluable for us,” said Dobson.

“That said, Godlen is a more than able replacement in the No.9 jersey and we’re very fortunate to have someone like Rick Schroeder – our Under-21 captain last year – who would slot into the bench with minimum fuss.”

* Tickets for Saturday are available from the DHL Newlands box office only. Sales commence on Saturday, May 4 from 12h00 to 15h30. Entry is free for ALL season ticket holders, but all seating is unreserved.

The DHL Western Province Vodacom Cup team to take on Griquas:

15. Cheslin Kolbe
14. Pat Howard
13. Berton Klaasen
12. Marcel Brache (captain)
11. Devon Williams
10. Kurt Coleman
9. Bolla Conradie
8. Rayn Smid
7. Gerbrandt Grobler (vice-captain)
6. Rohan Kitshoff
5. Wilhelm van der Sluys
4. Taz Fuzani
3. Chris Heiberg
2. Mike Willemse
1. Tjoppie Ferreira

Reserves:
16. Stephan Coetzee
17. Ashley Wells
18. Graham Knoop
19. Sikhumbuzo Notshe
20. Godlen Masimla
21. Kobus van Wyk
22. Tim Swiel

Referee: Sindile Mayende