Vermaak more than capable says Dobson

WHILE going into a Currie

Cup semi-final without Steven Kitshoff is a huge blow for Western Province, head coach John Dobson has shown great confidence in his “brilliant” replacement, Alistair Vermaak (pictured).

Kitshoff – who will miss the clash against the Sharks tomorrow (kick-off 4.30pm) due to Covid-19 protocols – has been the standout player for Province this season, both during Super Rugby Unlocked and the Currie Cup.

In his absence, Siya Kolisi, who returns after having sat out two matches due to Covid19 protocols, will resume the captaincy and start at openside flank.

There couldn’t have been a worse time for WP to be without Kitshoff. While he has been massive at the scrums, he has also produced big numbers in other departments – carries, turnovers ...

Dobson, however, chose to focus on how the back-up they have for Kitshoff shows the depth the squad boasts.

“It has been statistically proven that Kitshoff has been absolutely outstanding this campaign. He has stood in very well for Siya as a skipper. He is definitely one of our most important players, so that is a blow,” Dobson said.

“To have Ali come in for Steven is brilliant, even though losing him is a blow for us. I think it is a reflection on the squad that we can put out a team like this. I am comforted by Ali Vermaak enormously. We’ve got a long relationship. I think he was unlucky not to have been in the Springbok camps a couple of years ago. To my mind, he is one of the most underrated props in South Africa.

“It’s an opportunity. Steve will be back if we progress. I would have given Ali the opportunity if we played that final league game against the Sharks. He is really an outstanding prop.”

Since rugby returned, WP have based their approach mostly around a powerful pack; their scrummaging has been their strength, while their maul has been another standout weapon. And while the scrum is an area where the hosts can punish the Sharks, Dobson, however, is expecting a bit more of a challenge than the last time they met.

“We saw in Super Rugby before lockdown last year that we had a hell of a scrum battle up there against Thomas (du Toit) and Ox (Nche). It’s possibly not going to be as comfortable for us as it has been in the last while. But, I promise, you will be surprised by Ali Vermaak. We might have to work a bit harder, but hopefully we get the return.”

WESTERN PROVINCE

Starting XV (15-1): Damian Willemse, Sergeal Petersen, Dan du Plessis, Rikus Pretorius, Angelo Davids, Tim Swiel, Herschel Jantjies, Juarno Augustus, Johan du Toit, Siya Kolisi (captain), JD Schickerling, Salmaan Moerat, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Ali Vermaak. Bench (16-25): Scarra Ntubeni, Leon Lyons, Neethling Fouche, Chris van Zyl, Ernst van Rhyn, Jaco Coetzee, Paul de Wet, Ruhan Nel, Sazi Sandi, Tristan Leyds