VIDEO: Province limp into Final
Province will take on the Sharks in Durban, after a comprehensive 19-5 win over the Golden Lions at Newlands at the weekend.
However, the win has come at a cost.
Talented young lock John Schickerling, one of the standout players of the season, powerful midfielder EW Viljoen and flank Jaco Coetzee were all injured against the Lions.
Viljoen suffered a suspected torn hamstring and will definitely not feature in the Final.
Schickerling suffered an ankle injury and is also on the "unlikely" list.
"It doesn't look good for EW [Viljoen]‚" coach John Dobson told a post-match media briefing at Newlands.
With Seven Bok Ruhan Nel able to shift into the midfield, as he did earlier in the season, along with players like Sarel Marais and Dan Kriel that can cover the centres the loss of Viljoen can be covered.
In the second row there is also plenty of available talent, but probably not of the calibre of Schickerling.
Coetzee failed his head assessment test after taking a knock to the head at the end of the first quarter.
He will have to pass the return to play protocol this week, but with his replacement, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, in fine form, WP won't have too much of a concern.
By Jan de Koning
@king365ed
@rugby365com
