Willemse at 15 raises eyebrows
Western Province might have taken a calculated gamble by naming former Baby Bok star Damian Willemse at fullback for tomorrow’s Currie Cup final against the Sharks in Durban.
While Willemse’s attacking abilities are top-drawer, his brittle defence was badly exposed in a recent game against the Lions at Ellis Park when Lions wing Aphiwe Dyantyi ran right over him.
But Province coach John Dobson’s options were limited after centre EW Viljoen was ruled out with a hamstring problem, forcing him to move Ruhan Nel from wing to centre and Dillyn Leyds from fullback to wing.
The backline also reverts to the same combination which started the 31-20 victory against the Sharks in Durban two weeks ago.
In naming five changes, Dobson believed this is a team that can seriously challenge the Sharks.
“We have grown so much as a team this season and we have a chance to end it by lifting the Currie Cup trophy,” said Dobson.
The other two changes come up front where there are two new flanks in Cobus Wiese, who has replaced Kobus van Dyk, and Sikhumbuzo Notshe who replaces Jaco Coetzee, with the latter ruled out due to concussion.
“It is a privilege for us to be involved in a Currie Cup final and the players are determined to do our union and our faithful supporters proud,” said Dobson.
It is probably justice that Wiese wins back his spot after his surprising omission from the line-up that beat the Lions in the semifinal at Newlands last weekend.
Notshe also reclaims his spot after replacing the concussed Coetzee against the Lions and was applauded by No 8 Nizaam Carr for the crucial role he played.
Western Province
Damian Willemse, Seabelo Senatla, Ruhan Nel, Huw Jones, Dillyn Leyds, Robert du Preez, Dewaldt Duvenage, Nizaam Carr, Cobus Wiese, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, JD Schickerling, Chris van Zyl (capt), Wilco Louw, Bongi Mbonambi, JC Janse van Rensburg. Bench: Ramone Samuels, Ali Vermaak, Frans van Wyk, Jan de Klerk, Kobus van Dyk, Jano Vermaak, Werner Kok, Dan Kriel.