Good news for Province
Western Province have just one injury concern after their bruising 25-20 Currie Cup win over Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday.
Rookie wing Ederies Arendse suffered an ankle injury and is the only player in the matchday 22 who is doubtful for the coming weekend’s clash against the Golden Lions.
Arendse and flank Rynhardt Elstadt, who missed the Sharks and Griquas matches due to a groin injury, will be assessed on Monday.
Captain Deon Fourie and vice-captain Marcel Brache sustained a slight ankle injury and a cut to the face respectively, but will both be fit to face the defending champions.
Coach Allister Coetzee said it was a typically hard-fought affair in Kimberley.
"We didn't have the best of starts, the conditions didn't help. There was a big wind out there and those two early tries hurt us,” said Coetzee.
"I said so during the week, Kimberley is not an easy place to play, so we were worried at that point. But the guys got back into the game shortly before half-time, in those last ten minutes, and Ederies Arendse's try was crucial going into the break.
"I thought the guys showed plenty of character out there. There's still a lot of work to be done, and I had some harsh words for the team at half-time, but we'll take the win and keep working hard.
"We had four new guys in the team, they can be happy with their first-ever Absa Currie Cup trip to Kimberley."
Commenting on the return of Duane Vermeulen, Coetzee said, "Duane ended up playing an extra ten minutes than we'd initially planned.
"He wasn't quite at his best, but it's understandable. I'd say he needs at least three or so matches before he'll be back at his best Currie Cup/Super Rugby standard," he added.
