WP line up Kok at right wing for some added pace

A bonus-point victory over the Eastern Province Kings is non-negotiable for Western Province at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth tomorrow afternoon.

WP desperately need five points to get their Currie Cup campaign up and running following defeats in the first two rounds against the Blue Bulls and the Cheetahs.

That’s why WP coach John Dobson has put his faith in two Olympic bronze medallists to help get his side back in the title race.

Blitzboks Werner Kok and Cheslin Kolbe, fresh from their exploits in Rio, will start for Province at right wing and fullback respectively in PE.

While Kolbe was always going to come back, age-group WP representative Kok, is an interesting inclusion after playing exclusively for the national Sevens side since his debut in 2013.

Kok has impressive upper-body strength and, while he doesn’t have the extreme pace of Seabelo Senatla, he is quick and difficult to stop close to the tryline.

“He played with us in 2012 and we had our eyes on him for a while. Actually at school he was a 12, but in 15s at the moment we regard him as a 13 and a 14,” Dobson said yesterday.

“I think he views himself in the long term moving back to 15s. He has got a good work ethic and he is really tough. He is a real pro.”

Kok can also help WP’s continuity in the wide channels protecting the ball with his great breakdown skills, and will be able to win the odd turnover for the men in blue-and-white hoops.

“He can look after our ball in the wide channels. I made a joke with the defence coach that we will get a holding penalty, because can give us something out wide as well,” Dobson added.