Springbok flanker Siya Kolisi will be out for at least four weeks after hurting both of his knees in DHL Western Province’s 33-35 loss against the Golden Lions on Saturday.
The defeat, which included a losing bonus point, was DHL WP’s first loss of the 2014 Absa Currie Cup season (and just their second in their last 22 matches), but it has come at a cost for the 2012 champions.
Kolisi suffered a torn Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) in both of his knees and is now in a race against the clock to be back for the 2014 Absa Currie Cup play-offs.
Winger Kobus van Wyk and hooker Stephan Coetzee are the other injury worries after the weekend.
DHL WP will host Griquas at DHL Newlands this coming Saturday (kick-off 15h00) and the Province team will be announced on Thursday. CLICK HERE for ticketing news.
The full DHL Western Province injury report (15/09/14):
– Flanker Siya Kolisi has a grade one tear in the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) in both his knees. It’s touch and go for the play-offs for him – it’s a four/six-week injury which will come right with rest.
– Winger Kobus van Wyk took a knock to the head against the Lions. He will have a concussion test done and he will be given time until Thursday.
– Hooker Stephan Coetzee (ankle) has a bit of swelling. He will be given until Wednesday to prove his fitness ahead of Thursday’s team announcement.
– Prop Oli Kebble (ankle) is 100% available for selection this week, after also sitting out next week.
QUOTES FROM DHL WESTERN PROVINCE COACH ALLISTER COETZEE:
On replacing the injured Siya Kolisi:
“Sikhumbuzo Notshe has done enough (in terms of selection) but, like Nizaam Carr, he’s more of a linking player. Notshe has the inside track when it comes to selection but it’s a case of defining his role.
“Rohan Kitshoff will also definitely come into the mix (as an opensider), so we have a few options when it comes to replacing Siya, who, of course, is a big loss.”
On losing to the Golden Lions on Saturday:
“The big positive for me out of Saturday’s game was the set-piece. We scrummed well – we scored a good try from a scrum – and our mauling was also good, it was just our ball-carrying and defence that let us down against the Lions.
“Our character showed in the end, as we score those two late tries, but we’ve learnt a lot and it’s mistakes we don’t want to repeat come the remainder of the season.”
