Western Province boosted by Boks

Undefeated Western Province will be boosted with the return of several Springboks for this weekend’s final Currie Cup Pool match against the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday.

The defending champions only need a point from their final fixture to secure first place on the standings‚ which would secure a home final if they progress that far.

A home semifinal was guaranteed with a 50-28 win over the Sharks two weeks ago.

Non-contracted Boks such as utility back Damian Willemse‚ tighthead prop Wilco Louw‚ hooker Bongi Mbonambi and No 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe will all be in the selection mix this weekend.

There is also a chance some of the contracted Boks such as flank Pieter-Steph du Toit, lock Eben Etzebeth‚ prop Frans Malherbe and Bok skipper Siya Kolisi could be released for the playoffs, but that is a decision for another week.

Assistant coach Dawie Snyman stressed that the team’s approach would not vary, even though they are safely into the semis, when they take on the Bulls this weekend.

“It doesn’t matter what points we needed before going to Loftus‚ we just want to improve,” he said.

“Having all our non-contracted Boks available won’t be a problem for the team because these guys have all played in the Currie Cup this year and are used to how we play and what we do.

“But we have guys who have been doing well and it’s important to keep momentum.”

The Springboks have recently used Willemse as fullback, a role he could be asked to perform for WP, although Snyman insisted that the coaches were weighing up all the options.