DHL Western Province captain Deon Fourie has been given a clean bill of health ahead of his team’s Absa Currie Cup away clash against the Toyota Free State Cheetahs on Friday.

Fourie missed his team's wins over the Vodacom Blue Bulls and GWK Griquas, but is now set to boost Province's resources up front ahead of their trip to Bloemfontein (kick-off 17h05).

The return of Fourie will negate the non-availability of fellow flanker Rynhardt Elstadt (a late withdrawal last week), whilst, in other news, Springbok star Schalk Burger rejoined team training on Monday too.

The full DHL Western Province injury report (23/09/13):

– Captain Deon Fourie (ribs) rejoined full team training today, as did fellow forward Michael Rhodes (who is back from his one-game suspension). Both Fourie and Rhodes will be available for selection this coming weekend (v FS Cheetahs – Bloemfontein on Friday, September 27).

– Flank Schalk Burger (calf) also rejoined team training today, along with prop Frans Malherbe (ankle). Burger and Malherbe will take part in scrummaging sessions tomorrow and then only will more be known about their fitness (in terms of perhaps being up for selection against the Cheetahs).

– Lock De Kock Steenkamp (bumps and bruises) sat out team training on Monday but is not considered a doubtful starter for this weekend.

– Flank Rynhardt Elstadt (shoulder) and flyhalf Gary van Aswegen (knee) are still not available for selection.

QUOTES FROM ASSISTANT COACH MATTHEW PROUDFOOT:

On the potential return of Schalk Burger:

“Schalk is looking eager. It's good to have him back. He brings with him a wealth of experience and although he's been around the team for a few weeks, it's good to have him out there, on the park.

“We have no expectations with Schalk, and neither with Frans Malherbe. How they will progress depends on how they feel and how they react to training. They will take part in scrummaging tomorrow at training and we will see how Schalk's calf and Frans's ankle stand up to that.”

On the fitness of squad captain Deon Fourie:

“Deon is 100% and it's a big boost to the team. The squad was happy to hear that he was back and able to join team training again today.”

On their selection options up front:

“We've been fortunate to build a bit of depth in recent weeks, which is why we gave someone like De Kock Steenkamp the day off from training and had Gerbrandt Grobler running in his place at number four (lock). The loss of Rynhardt has left a bit of a hole at No.7, so we need physicality there, but I thought Rayn Smid did well on his (Absa Currie Cup) debut and, of course, Michael Rhodes is back from suspension.”

On facing the FS Cheetahs in Bloemfontein:

“Despite losing to the Sharks, the Cheetahs are a very good side. I thought the Sharks were impressive on Saturday, not many teams would have handled the pressure they exerted. They're a team that likes to play with width and put your defence under pressure.”

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