Dynamite doubled

He is by no means trying to get himself out of a job, but Western Province backline coach Robbie Fleck agrees his team's outside backs require very little coaching.

Fullback Gio Aplon's evasive running has been complemented this season by the addition of the dynamic Cheslin Kolbe, and the diminutive pair have wreaked havoc in the Currie Cup.

They have scored two tries each and increasingly left their mark on proceedings.

Fleck believes if it ain't broke, don't try to fix it: "I think they should play what comes naturally. They form a brilliant partnership because they read each other so well. It is about giving them guidance and letting their natural ability shine through. They feed so well off each other," he says.

Aplon and Kolbe carved the Lions to shreds at Ellis Park two weeks ago and delivered a similar statement of intent in the first half against the Sharks at Newlands last week.

"Speaking to some of the Sharks' players post-game, they admitted that, because of their massive kicking game, they were concerned about what Gio and Cheslin could do," Fleck says.

"They've clicked very well. They always have something up their sleeve. The exciting thing about them is how they exploit space."

Both players are probably at their most potent from fullback and, though Fleck doesn't see any reason to mix up the combination just yet, he is curious to see what Kolbe is capable of from the last line of defence.

"They are both comfortable at wing and at fullback. Gio is almost like a father figure. He is the more experienced guy and is running the show.

"Cheslin prefers fullback. He has such a gift for reading the play and he pounces on opportunities. We are going to have to have a look at him there because he's brought something fresh and dynamic."

Because of their potency the Western Province outside backs suddenly see more ball. "As backline coach I'm happy with the amount of possession we're getting. I would like to see more of them but teams are going to be careful against us. Of course from broken play there is nothing teams can do about it because these guys have such a hunger to look for opportunity," says Fleck.

"We remain, however, very much a territory-based side but we encourage players to take opportunities," he says.

Tomorrow, his team take on the Blue Bulls at Loftus, while the Cheetahs host the Lions tonight.

The Sharks will welcome Pieter-Steph du Toit back into their second row for their clash against Griquas in Kimberley tomorrow. Du Toit has been sidelined through injury but will make a timely return after Marco Wentzel dislocated a shoulder at Newlands.

The Sharks team is: SP Marais, Sizo Maseko, Louis Ludik, Tim Whitehead, Lwazi Mvovo, Butch James, Charl McLeod, Jacques Botes (captain), Jean Deysel, Keegan Daniel, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Edwin Hewitt, Wiehahn Herbst, Kyle Cooper, Danie Mienie. Substitutes: Monde Hadebe, Dale Chadwick, Peet Marais, Justin Downey, Cobus Reinach, Fred Zeilinga, Jaco van Tonder.