Jaco Taute
Jaco Taute has been ear marked as a potential centre option for Western Province should newly appointed captain Juan de Jongh get called up to the Springboks.
Taute, who usually finds himself in the No 15 jumper, is set to play a major role in Allister Coetzee’s Currie Cup squad with the coach also having a look into the Springbok as a potential captaincy replacement.
It would not be an unfamiliar role for the fullback having played in the centres at the highest level.
Taute made his international debut against the Wallabies in 2012 as a late inclusion into the squad, playing centre after Frans Steyn was ruled out with injury.
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“We have a few other young centres, Michael van der Spuy is an out and out No 12 – so we would like to utilize him as much as possible with his left foot option,” Coetzee said when discussing his backline options.
“Going forward there is also Dillyn Leyds and Cheslin Kolbe who could feature at fullback.”
“We might look at Jaco Taute as a possible No 12 going forward as well.”
“We also have Pat Howard along side Juan de Jongh as a No 13 we will see how it goes, that is just the idea.”
Coetzee seems prepared for every eventuality, with there being a strong chance that his captain and regular centre, De Jongh, could be called up to the Boks should something go wrong in the national backline.
It would clearly effect his midfield, but it would also affect his captaincy. Pat Cilliers has been named vice-captain and would most likely step up.
“If Juan gets called up into the Bok set up, it is a straight swap with Pat taking over the captaincy,” the coach said.
The issue then is who would be next in line for the vice-captaincy with many of Western Province’s usual leaders away with the Boks (Jean de Villiers, Schalk Burger and Duane Vermeulen) or out of the country (Deon Fourie – who has left for Japan).
However, once again, Coetzee seems to believe that his star fullback could be the answer.
“In the backs we have these young leaders, like Jaco Taute, even Nic Groom and Louis Schreuder are young guys that are also coming through in the backline,” Coetzee added.
“Up front we have Tiaan Liebenberg, Siyabonga Ntubeni and Nizaam Carr which we cannot leave out of the equation.”
When asked about the possibility of being called up the Springboks, the WP captain was steadfast in is allegiance.
“My focus is only at Western Province at the moment. We need to bring our A-game week in and week out, so my only focus is Friday at seven o’clock,” De Jongh concluded.