DHL Western Province stars Nizaam Carr and Jaco Taute remain the only potential injury concerns for coach Allister Coetzee ahead of this coming weekend’s Absa Currie Cup Final clash against the Xerox Golden Lions.
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According to Coetzee, who was speaking at a media briefing on Monday afternoon, centre Taute (rib) ran well today, but will be given another opportunity (tomorrow) to prove his fitness. No.8 Carr (hip pointer) was walking without discomfort today.
Calls on the fitness of Carr and Taute will be made later this week, but, according to the DHL WP coach, “it does seem positive on both players”.
FURTHER QUOTES FROM DHL WESTERN PROVINCE COACH ALLISTER COETZEE:
Speaking about Jaco Taute and Nizaam Carr’s injuries:
“Jaco underwent tests this morning and he seems to be fine. Tomorrow we will see how he recovers from the physical activity and we will also see how it goes with a further battery of tests (obviously involving contact), but it’s looking very positive.
“There’s a feeling of optimism over Nizaam too. He was feeling comfortable today, but we will (also) see how he goes tomorrow.”
Speaking about potential selection headaches, should Carr and Taute both be fit:
“I said at the start of the season that I wanted two players in every position available for the final and that’s the fortunate position we find ourselves in.
“I thought Rynhardt Elstadt was excellent at openside against the Bulls and not only did he make 22 tackles, most of those were big impact tackles.
“Michael Rhodes also got through an incredible amount of work, both on defence and as a ball-carrier, so I am happy with our loose-forward configuration, with those two players on the flanks and Sikhumbuzo Notshe backing up (Nizaam) at No.8.”
Speaking about Saturday’s final at DHL Newlands:
“It’s a challenge that we’re embracing and that we’re excited about. You can’t ask for more than running out at a packed DHL Newlands. This side has matured well this season and we’re really looking forward to Saturday.”
