Wednesday is D-Day for Kolbe
Western Province coach Allister Coetzee has given star back Cheslin Kolbe until Wednesday to prove his fitness, ahead of their Currie Cup crunch match with the Golden Lions in Johannesburg.
Kolbe is suffering from a hyperextension of his knee, which happened in Western Province's win over the Eastern Province Kings last Friday.
Coetzee is hopeful that the fleet-footed fullback will be able to get over the injury that may, or may not, involve a measure of bone bruising.
Having already lost one of his star backs, Sevens Springbok Seabelo Senatla, for four weeks, the Province mentor is positive that Kolbe could be ready in time.
"With hyper-extension there is always going to be a chance of bone bruising that can occur," Coetzee told a media briefing.
"It is too early for the doctor to assess the condition, but the guidelines for such a case are to let the injury settle and then we will run him on Wednesday."
The reason for Coetzee's positive mindset in the Kolbe case is that the Sevens Springbok is already looking like he is getting over the injury.
"Cheslin is feeling fine though," the coach said, adding: "He went for a run on Sunday, but we will wait till Wednesday to put him through his paces and we can see.
"If there is still pain then we will have a reason to send him for a scan.
"It differs from player to player. For one guy it might be really sore, but functional, where as for another guy it will be totally fine and then he can play."
Coetzee is prepared, however, if Kolbe should not pass the Wednesday fitness test, especially with the return of inside centre, Michael van der Spuy.
"If Cheslin does not come through, I have Jaco Taute who could move back there [to fullback], I have Justin Geduld who can slot back in as well," the coach continued.
"Van der Spuy could return to the centre in the place of Taute if he takes the No.15 jumper
"So we have a few players who can cover.
"I have been especially impressed with Geduld, when he touches the ball you can see something special in him."
The encounter between WP and the Lions, in Johannesburg, is arguably the biggest match of the weekend.
Province will be hoping to do the double over the men from Gauteng while the Lions will want to bounce back after a poor showing against the Bulls.
