VIDEO: WP reveals alternative options for injured Bok
REACTION: Moving Springbok Damian Willemse is an option, but Western Province may look at alternative choices as replacement for injured Bok Warrick Gelant.
WP defence coach Norman Laker confirmed that Gelant will most likely spend the next nine months on the sidelines – the result of a nasty anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered while playing for Province against the Blue Bulls in this past weekend’s Currie Cup Round One match at Newlands.
Laker said, with good rehabilitation, Gelant could potentially return in six months.
The prognosis is certainly not good and a more accurate timeframe will be revealed once he has undergone surgery.
The defence guru admitted losing their fleet-footed World Cup winner, Gelant, is a big setback.
However, Laker told a virtual media briefing they do have “several options” as a replacement.
Fellow World Cup Bok Damian Willemse could move from flyhalf to No.15, where he has represented his country.
The alternatives include playing a settled Tim Swiel, young Kade Wolhuter or evasive Tristan Leyds at fullback.
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“We do have a few options we can consider, but we will decide what is best for the team going forward.”
The injury setback to Gelant came comes just as he was finding the form of his career.
Laker said there were no other major injuries from the weekend’s 20-22 loss to the Bulls.
The loss saw WP drop down to third place on the standings (20 points), behind the table-topping Bulls (27) and Sharks (24).
If Province falter against the Lions in Johannesburg, they could drop out of the top four (play-off spots) – with the Cheetahs (17) and Lions (16) in a position to overtake them.
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