WP coach: I am certain that Notshe will be ready come the first whistle
SIKHUMBUZO NOTSHE will make his return for Western Province on Saturday as the side look to book their place in the Vodacom Cup final.
The Cape side take on the Blue Bulls at Newlands and coach John Dobson has opted to boost his attacking options with the inclusion of flanker Notshe, who missed the quarter-final against the Leopards due to a hamstring injury.
“Notshe is one of our best attacking players and it is great to have him back from injury. His hamstring is a bit of a concern but I am certain that he will be ready come the first whistle,” said Dobson.
Notshe, 21, has been an integral part of the WP side since he made his debut in 2013 and last season the Wynberg Boys’ High product was also selected to join the Stormers pre-season squad.
“At the moment in the Stormers side Notshe probably has about four Springbok-level flanks ahead of him, but he is still hungry and he still wants to prove himself in this team. He is a really special player and he will continue to use this competition as a showcase for his talent,” said Dobson.
Justin Benn will drop to the bench to make place for Notshe, while winger Pat Howard will start the match instead of JP Lewis. Prop Sithembiso Sithole has also been promoted from the bench as Alistair Vermaak returns to Stormers duty.
After finishing top of the Southern section undefeated on 32 points, Dobson will be hoping his side can go all the way this year and clinch the title for the second time.
“I am desperate to win this cup again and I know that all the players also want it as badly. I think playing the Bulls will add more to this match because of the difference in ideologies when it comes to playing rugby. As Province we are always up for playing the Bulls and the boys are ready.”
Victory for Province will ensure a home final next weekend while the identity of the other finalist will be known after tomorrow’s match at Loftus when the Lions host the Pumas. WP team: 15 EW Viljoen, 14 Pat Howard, 13 Jaco Taute, 12 Robert du Preez, 11 Tshotsho Mbovane, 10 Jean-Luc Du Plessis, 9 Godlen Masimla, 8 Rayn Smid, 7 Sikhumbuszo Notshe, 6 Tapiwa Tsomondo, 5 Chris van Zyl, 4 Jan de Klerk, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Michael Willemse (captain), 1 Sithembiso Sithole. 16 Charlton van Jaarsveld, 17 Deacon Chowles, 18 Wilhelm van der Sluys, 19 Justin Benn, 20 Justin Phillips, 21 Kyle Lombard, 22 William Ndayara