Embarrassment of riches for WP
DOBSON: IT WAS EXTREMELY TOUGH TO SELECT THIS TEAM
Rudolph Jacobs
Western Province coach John Dobson admitted yesterday he had no easy task selecting his side for their Currie Cup home semifinal against the Blue Bulls at Newlands tomorrow.
Dobson made the difficult decision to move flyhalf Joshua Stander down to the bench after the pivot played a blinder in the 34-7 demolition job of the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld last week.
In one of five changes to their team, which included a positional shift, Dobson moved Damian Willemse from fullback to flyhalf at the expense of Stander to allow game-breaker Dillyn Leyds to return in the No 15 jumper after he missed the Loftus clash due to a calf niggle.
“It was extremely tough to select this team, with some really quality players left out, but we are very excited to see what they are capable of in what is obviously a big game,” said Dobson, who downplayed his unbeaten team’s favourites tag.
“We have worked hard this season to earn the right to play at Newlands this weekend, so we intend to make the most of that opportunity.”
In the other change to the Province backline, centre Dan Kriel was recalled at the expense of Dan du Plessis, reuniting his dynamic midfield combination with Bok squad member Ruhan Nel.
Up front, Dobson made two more changes with big No 8 Juarno August returning after missing the Loftus clash with an injury. He replaces Bok Sikhumbuzo Notshe, who is troubled by a knee injury.
The other change in the forward pack sees Bok hooker Bongi Mbonambi returning to the starting line-up in place of Scarra Ntubeni, who will warm the bench.