Inside centre Jaco Taute is the main injury worry for DHL Western Province ahead of Saturday’s 2014 Absa Currie Cup semifinal clash against the Blue Bulls at DHL Newlands (kick-off 17h00).
***CLICK HERE FOR TICKETING NEWS!***
Taute, a key man in the No.12 shirt this season, suffered a rib injury against the Cheetahs earlier this month and missed this past weekend’s encounter against the Sharks.
He will continue to be assessed this week in terms of his availability for the semifinal, but hooker Tiaan Liebenberg, a late withdrawal from the Sharks match, will not be considered for selection.
Both Jean Kleyn and Cheslin Kolbe trained today and tomorrow the DHL WP squad will be bolstered by the return of Seabelo Senatla and Justin Geduld from SA Sevens duty.
The full DHL Western Province injury report (13/10/14):
– Centre Jaco Taute (rib) is the only major injury concern this week. He is in doubt for this weekend.
– Hooker Tiaan Liebenberg (back) will not be considered for selection for the semifinal.
– Lock Jean Kleyn (AC Joint) and fullback Cheslin Kolbe (back) trained well today and will be monitored as the week progresses.
– SA Sevens stars Seabelo Senatla and Justin Geduld are due back at training tomorrow and will slot in and be assessed.
QUOTES FROM DHL WESTERN PROVINCE COACH ALLISTER COETZEE:
Speaking about the potential return(s) of Cheslin Kolbe and/or Seabelo Senatla:
“Cheslin already started training with us last week and is looking good. I didn’t see what happened in the (Gold Coast) Sevens, but Seabelo scored three tries and will also be back in the mix once we’ve assessed him tomorrow. Luckily both those players played in the two Bulls games in the league phase, so it won’t be an issue to reintroduce them.”
Speaking about this Saturday’s semifinal at DHL Newlands (v Blue Bulls, 17h00):
“The previous results have no bearing on this weekend. The Bulls have improved immensely as the season has worn on. They had their problems earlier this season, but they’ve got their belief back and that makes them dangerous.
“We need to front up and play well in all departments – set-pieces, mauling, our kicking game – they all need to be on key. The most important thing is that we win the collisions. If we do that, then the rest will follow.”