WP bid to bait the Sharks
Dobson’s refreshed Province side now have some continuity.
Western Province are aiming to bag their third big scalp in as many weeks when they host the Sharks in their Currie Cup clash at Newlands this afternoon.
Over the past two weeks Province have scored two big wins – 45-34 over the Blue Bulls and 39-3 over a disjointed Lions outfit – but today they are facing a Sharks team who are on a four-match winning streak and are refreshed, coming off a bye.
Province coach John Dobson said the team have been rejuvenated after suffering losses to the Cheetahs and Griquas earlier in their campaign.
“It is great to have a reasonable amount of continuity in selection,” said Dobson.
“We really want to build on the momentum we have gathered in the last two weeks.”
Dobson said they know they are in for a big match against a Sharks outfit who scored three wins in the space of eight games and beating both the Blue Bulls and the Golden Lions at altitude.
“The players know we will have to raise our standards once again and we are all looking forward to what should be a serious challenge,” Dobson said.
The coach was forced to make two enforced changes after fullback SP Marais was ruled out with a knee injury. Dillyn Leyds has been moved from wing to No 15, while the new wing is Blitzbok star and former Lions and Griquas player Ruhan Nel.
The other change has been made at scrumhalf where Dewaldt Duvenhage comes in for Jano Vermaak who is on Springbok duty with the national team in Argentina.
The Sharks suffered two setbacks with prop Thomas du Toit ruled out with an ankle injury, while veteran flank Keegan Dan- iel underwent a minor abscess procedure and was given a break.
Interestingly four Sharks players were until very recently seen in Province colours – wing Kobus van Wyk, scrumhalf Louis Schreuder, flank Jacques Vermeulen and lock and Sharks captain Ruan Botha.
Kick-off: 3pm.