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DHL WP injury report – 11/08/14

PUBLISHED: August 11, 2014


Experienced DHL Western Province hooker Tiaan Liebenberg has been ruled out of this weekend’s Absa Currie Cup clash against the Vodacom Blue Bulls and he will undergo a scan to reveal the full extent of his back injury.

In good news, however, forwards Scarra Ntubeni, Brok Harris, Ruan Botha and Rynhardt Elstadt are all back in the selection mix, along with backs Kurt Coleman and Jaco Taute.

Speaking about Liebenberg’s injury, DHL WP coach Allister Coetzee revealed: “Tiaan has not responded to treatment and we fear he’s suffered more than a muscle spasm. He won’t be playing this week, it’s a blow for us.”

Despite the big loss of Liebenberg, the return of the above-mentioned six players would certainly bolster Province this week.

Coetzee told the www.wprugby.com website: “We’d be happy to pick them all, but it’s also about keeping continuity.

“There will be a few difficult decisions to make this week because we have a healthy competition for places in the squad. First and foremost, however, we need to be sure that the players coming back are well prepared for action.”

DHL Western Province, Round One winners over the EP Kings last weekend (by 35-16), will host the Blue Bulls at DHL Newlands on Saturday, August 16.

Kick-off on Saturday is at 14h00, with the Province Under-19 and Under-21 teams also in action against their Bulls counterparts at 09h45 and 11h45, respectively.

“We need to pitch up physically against the Bulls, so having the likes of Scarra, Brokkie and Rynhardt back will help in that department,” said Coetzee.

“But, like I said, you have to balance those players that are sharp (and played against the Kings) with those who are coming back from lay-offs.”

The full DHL Western Province injury report (11/08/14):

– Hooker Tiaan Liebenberg’s back injury has flared up. He will undergo a scan on his back for a full diagnosis.
– New DHL WP signing Willy Ambaka was at training today, after arriving in Cape Town on Sunday, but he will not play for at least the next three weeks. Ambaka has an ankle injury and is in the final stages of rehabilitation.
– Wing Kobus van Wyk suffered a knock to his head against the EP Kings. He sat out training today but he showed no ill-effects at all after undergoing testing.
– Flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis sat out today’s (Monday) training session with a sore hip pointer. He will be available for selection against the Bulls.
– Prop – and vice-captain – Pat Cilliers is stiff from the EP Kings game and also sat out training. He, too, will be fine for the Bulls match.
– Hooker Scarra Ntubeni (foot), prop Brok Harris (shoulder), lock Ruan Botha (ankle), lock/flank Rynhardt Elstadt (shoulder), flyhalf Kurt Coleman (knee) and centre/fullback Jaco Taute (compassionate leave) will all be considered for selection this week.