WP look to fill the gaps
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Western Province seemed to have fallen under their injury curse again late in the Currie Cup, but coach Allister Coetzee is focusing on his returning players as he looks to fill the gaps.
For Coetzee's team, both first-choice locks, Ruan Botha and Jean Kleyn, sustained season-ending injuries over the weekend against the Pumas in Nelspruit.
It was also revealed that the season could potentially be over for star playmaker Cheslin Kolbe.
Additionally, Coetzee cannot make use of his other two Sevens stars, Seabelo Senatla and Justin Geduld as they prepare for the opening of the Sevens World Series.
Coetzee said the team was faced with a lock crisis and that flank, Michael Rhodes, has been earmarked for lock cover.
"There are locks like Gerbrandt Grobler [shoulder] and Mthetheleli Fuzani [broken arm] that are in the squad but both are still on the injury list and will not be available for selection again this year.
"We will look at a young player like Jurie van Vuuren who played for us in the Super Rugby season."
"I am looking forward to the players coming in, that has been the strength of the Stormers and of Western province, focusing on the players coming in.
"This includes Rynhardt Elstadt [who returns from suspension], Dillyn Leyds and Pat Howard, those guys are all ready and wanting to shine."
Dillyn Leyds, who was signed from the Western Force a few months ago, has finally arrived to take up his contract in Cape Town.
Of late, he has played for Perth Spirit in Australia's domestic National Rugby Championship competition.
"Last season Dillyn was one of our best juniors and we're pleased to have him back," Coetzee added.
"He is coming back at a good time and there won't be a problem with his fitness because he has been playing over the past few weekends.
"He will definitely be considered for selection this week because we can do with his experience."
Springbok, Damian de Allende, has not been in the national team's' recent match-day squads and Coetzee was asked about his Currie Cup availability, particularly at a time when Province were looking thin in backline back-up.
"Damian is a SA Rugby Union-contracted player and we know what the policy is so we're not expecting him to be available.
"It's only when the Springboks decide that a player needs game-time, that they release players for provincial selection," said Coetzee.
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