Allister Coetzee, the DHL Western Province coach, has released an injury update ahead of this coming weekend’s Absa Currie Cup clash against GWK Griquas.
DHL WP defeated the FS Cheetahs by 15-14 this past Saturday and flyhalf Gary van Aswegen and outside centre Pat Howard are the only two injury worries from the match.
Said Coetzee: “Medically, Gary should be ok, as it’s not a major injury, but he needs to get through a contact session later this week.
“He (Gary) has definitely not been ruled out yet this weekend, but he will be assessed tomorrow and he will take full contact at training on Wednesday. We will see how he responds then.”
Michael van der Spuy (hamstring) is back to full fitness and Springbok centre Juan de Jongh – who has been released from the Bok squad – is back at training and will be considered for selection against Griquas.
“Juan is back in action and available for selection. It’s a boost, definitely (for us) and great to have him back – as it is to have any Springbok back in the fold,” Coetzee told www.wprugby.com.
“He’s looking forward to playing again and he’s in a positive frame of mind – he’s excited to make his mark for DHL WP.
“I think it’s in his own best interests to get out there and play again, after a few weeks off, but, that said, it will be a test for him,” added Coetzee. “Juan still needs to catch up on a few things, but I have no doubt, being a Bok and a quality player, that he will slot in easily and seamlessly.”
Western Province will travel to Kimberley this weekend to take on Griquas on Saturday at 15h00. The DHL WP team will be announced on Wednesday at lunch-time.
DHL Western Province injury update – 19/08/13:
– Flyhalf Gary van Aswegen (shoulder) will be assessed tomorrow and will take full contact on Wednesday.
– Centre Pat Howard has tightness around his hamstring, so the coaching and medical staff will see how he reacts to treatment during the week.
– Flyhalf/centre Michael van der Spuy (hamstring) is back to full fitness and will be available for selection this weekend.
– Flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis (shoulder) will join full team training next week but will be managed accordingly in terms of the amount of contact he can take. If he can take full contact, he will come into consideration for next weekend (against the Golden Lions, in Johannesburg).