Liebenberg set for Province return
Defending Currie Cup champions Western Province will regain the services of Springbok hooker Tiaan Liebenberg for their Round Two encounter, with the Free State Cheetahs at Newlands on Saturday.
WP opened their campaign with a 24-all draw against the Blue Bulls at the weekend and will be looking to bounce back against the Cheetahs.
The only injury doubt after last weekend is utility back Cheslin Kolbe (knee).
"Cheslin is about 50-50 at this stage," coach Allister Coetzee said.
"We certainly won't rush him into the Cheetahs match but we will give him until Wednesday."
Liebenberg, who recovered from his back injury, looks set to make his return to action after missing the latter stages of the Super Rugby tournament.
"Tiaan has been working hard on his fitness since getting the all-clear to resume full training," Coetzee said.
"It's always great to welcome back an experienced player and we all know the additional leadership and energy that he brings to the team."
Assistant coach Robbie Fleck said despite carrying an injury, the return of flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis was reassuring.
“It’s great to have Dim back in the mix. He had a phenomenal Super Rugby season for the Kings and he had a good year for us in the Currie Cup last year," he said.
“He knows our systems and structures, so we’re excited to have him back in the mix – it gives the team confidence knowing we have another solid goal kicker in the system and a guy who knows how to execute our plan.
“He’s still struggling with an AC [injury] so he’ll be out for another two weeks. Hopefully he’ll be available for the Griquas game, but he’ll definitely be ready for the game after that.”
Flank Rynhardt Elstadt and flyhalf Gary van Aswegen sat out training on Monday afternoon, but neither are in doubt for the Cheetahs clash.
