DHL Western Province have just one new injury concern ahead of their final Absa Currie Cup league encounter of 2014 – against the Sharks at DHL Newlands this Saturday (kick-off 17h05).
Inside centre Jaco Taute took a blow to his ribs against the Free State Cheetahs last weekend – which saw him leave the field in the 57th minute – and he is in doubt to face the Sharks.
In better news, however, hooker Tiaan Liebenberg could come back into the mix this week, after being out of action since the beginning of August.
The full DHL Western Province injury report (06/10/14):
– Centre Jaco Taute (rib) is the only major injury concern this week. He is in doubt for this weekend’s meeting with the Sharks.
– Hooker Tiaan Liebenberg (back) has returned to full training and could come into the selection equation (against the Sharks).
QUOTES FROM DHL WESTERN PROVINCE COACH ALLISTER COETZEE:
Speaking about today’s open DHL WP training session at Pniel Villagers RFC (near Stellenbosch):
“It was great being here, thanks to the fans for coming out to watch us and to Pniel for hosting us. It’s always humbling to see so much support for DHL Western Province and we’re very appreciative.”
On Jaco Taute’s injury:
“Ribs are a sensitive thing, as you know. He might not be alright for this weekend, but it’s not a long-term thing.”
On facing the Sharks on Saturday – despite having already clinched a top-of-the-log finish:
“It’s a nice position to be in and it means that all decisions we make this week will be made with that in mind – setting ourselves up for the best possible shot at the semifinals. We’re not saying this game against the Sharks isn’t important to us, but we’ve earned the right to look ahead to the semifinals and that’s what our thinking will be this week.
“It’s a great opportunity to expand the capacity of our squad. A player that hasn’t started as yet this season might get an opportunity against a quality side (like the Sharks) ahead of the semifinals should anything happen and he (then) needs to come in for a big game.
“We’ve got a number of players who have been knocking on the door – (prop) Oli Kebble, (lock/flank) Rynhardt Elstadt has just played one game after a long lay-off, Justin Ackerman is a very good tighthead prop who has been training well and deserves a chance to show us what he can do in a pressure environment, (hooker) Neil Rautenbach has been on the bench for some time and then there’s also Tiaan Liebenberg who could be in the mix after being out for some time.
“It’s not about resting players, but anything can happen before the semifinals and a player might need to step up as a result. At the same time, I’d love to be in the position to have some selection headaches for the semifinal after a big game like this against the Sharks who have everything to play for and will create just the pressure-filled environment needed to test those players coming in.”
On what the Sharks bring to the table:
“The Sharks are starting to fire at the right time, they’re starting to play some good rugby and there’s a big belief in the side. They’re more comfortable with ball in hand… they put teams under pressure at the breakdown, they come off the line hard (defensively) and someone like Lwazi Mvovo has made a huge difference too with his experience and threat with ball in hand. They’re a formidable side and will present a huge challenge (for us).”
