VIDEO - Crutches and wheelchairs for Western Province
SPOTLIGHT: Western Province will be forced to make some front row changes in the coming weeks as they count the cost of their trip to Loftus Versfeld.
The Capetonians suffered a 34-50 defeat to the Bulls in their Currie Cup Round Four match after leading 27-10 at the break.
Springbok prop Lizo Gqoboka limped off with a leg injury in the opening quarter and his replacement Ali Vermaak [knee] also had to leave the field later in the match after a knock.
Province also lost Sazi Sandi to a head knock early in the game.
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“They are still having medicals and scans,” said Western Province assistant coach Labeeb Levy when asked about their current status.
“Lizo was lower limb [injury] and he was on crutches.
“Ali was wheelchaired on and off the plane, so it’s not looking [good].
“Sazi had a knock to his head and shoulder, so he might be out for the week.
“Those injuries really impacted our ability to keep that scrumming momentum.”
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Levy said the door has now opened for some of the younger props to make a name for themselves.
One of them is Zimbabwe-born Vernon Matongo.
“Vernon has been waiting in the wings. As they say, ‘Een man se dood is n ander man se brood’,” said Levy.
“It is an opportunity for him now to really step up and take the opportunity when selected.
“We still have Zach Porthen who is returning from the SA Under-20 side.
“It will also be an opportunity for him to be in the mix depending on how long the others are out.
“Then we will probably look at some club players who are performing well and in the Under-21 ranks as well.”
