WP unchanged against Lions

20 August 2014 - 18:15 By Sapa
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Seabelo Senatla of Western Province after the Absa Currie Cup match between DHL Western Province and Vodacom Blue Bulls at DHL Newlands on August 16, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa.
Seabelo Senatla of Western Province after the Absa Currie Cup match between DHL Western Province and Vodacom Blue Bulls at DHL Newlands on August 16, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa.

For first time in two seasons, Western Province on Wednesday named an unchanged Currie Cup side for their clash against the Lions, thanks to an absence of injuries from their most recent game.

The same 22-man match-day squad which saw off the Blue Bulls with a six-try bonus-point win last week will run out against the log-leaders Golden Lions at Newlands on Saturday.

"There was no need to make changes and all the combinations are the best at this point in time," coach Allister Coetzee said.

"We are also mindful of how we finish and we're looking for the substitutes to make an even bigger impact."

Coetzee said continuity was important in the Currie Cup and, by naming an unchanged side, player confidence would be boosted.

"Continuity is key in this competition. This is an opportunity for the players to take advantage of continuity and it helps the team do perform well.

"We are sending out a message that we'll back the players who are doing well."

Some of the substitutes named were players returning from injury and Province had decided not to rush players back into action.

"The situation is that as long as the starting players are doing well, they'll hold on to their positions," said Coetzee.

"We will, however, see to it that the substitutes enjoy longer game time this week and, that way, we can make the most of their impact."

Province had gone to great lengths this week to address the matter of discipline which resulted in several yellow cards during their opening two matches. They had an experienced referee at hand on Tuesday to help players interpret the laws.

"We do have concerns and our players need to understand the refs," Coetzee said.

"We are aware that on occasions we will have inexperienced or young refs but there are things that we can change to avoid the cards.

"The yellow card problem is something facing all teams because refs are being far more strict than in the past."

Western Province team: Cheslin Kolbe, Kobus van Wyk, Juan de Jongh (captain), Michael van der Spuy, Seabelo Senatla , Demetri Catrakilis, Nic Groom, Nizaam Carr, Michael Rhodes, Siya Kolisi, Manuel Carizza, Jean Kleyn, Pat Cilliers, Stephan Coetzee, Alistair Vermaak.

Replacements: Neil Rautenbach, Brok Harris, Ruan Botha, Rynhardt Elstadt, Louis Schreuder, Kurt Coleman, Jaco Taute.

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now