Kolisi back for WP’s must-win clash with Pumas
IT’S CRUNCH time for Western Province this weekend, but it’s a must-win John Dobson is looking forward to.
Province will host the Pumas at Newlands tomorrow (kick-off 3pm) after two losses to the Sharks and the Lions before their bye.
During yesterday’s team announcement Dobson said that creating scoreboard pressure will be key against the Pumas, who are fresh off a win against the Sharks.
“The key for us is to make other teams chase and create scoreboard pressure. The Pumas have changed their style, they’re playing a much more attractive style of rugby and we’d like to put their skills under pressure.
“We know we’re done if we don’t win this weekend. There’s so much pressure and the playing group wants to win, so I’m quite excited actually.”
Dobson was also looking forward to the life Siya Kolisi will inject into the team.
Kolisi has been with Province for three weeks now and looked in his typical high spirits during training on Monday. The Bok skipper has been out since May after suffering a knee injury towards the end of the Stormers’ Super Rugby campaign.
Tomorrow will mark only Kolisi’s 30th cap for WP, and his first game in the blue and white hoops since 2014.
On Kolisi’s return, Dobson said: “He brings a massive security and confidence to the team, and confidence is something we’re probably a bit low on at the moment. He’s a great professional. Medically he’s good for about 40 minutes. It’s clear that he doesn’t just see this as a stepping stone, he wants to win.”
Kolisi will start in the No 6 jersey, with Ernst van Rhyn starting at blindside flank and Sikhumbuzo Notshe at No 8.
Springbok tighthead Wilco Louw is also back in the starting line-up.
In the backline, Justin Phillips is at scrumhalf, with Sergeal Petersen making his first start of the season on the wing.
Loose forward Nama Xaba is set to make his Currie Cup debut off the bench.
“He is a guy we’re really excited about. He was superb for the Stormers in the pre-season friendlies. He was the best 6 in the country at Under-19 level, I’ve been desperate to bring him through. He’s going to be a part of our plans for the next four or five seasons,” Dobson said yesterday.