Sikhumbuzo Notshe
Steven Kitshoff
DHL Western Province flank Sikhumbuzo Notshe will miss this Saturday’s Currie Cup clash against ORC Griquas with an AC Joint injury.
The impressive Notshe is not expected to be out for longer than a week, but coach John Dobson does have some loose forward options to replace him.
“Jurie van Vuuren is back to full fitness and someone like Chris Cloete deserves an opportunity, after coming off the bench so far,” coach John Dobson said.
“Chris starting would mean Rynhardt Elstadt moving back to No 7, but we’re comfortable either way in our players.”
In other news, Springbok squad member Steven Kitshoff (loosehead prop) and Barbarians representative Nic Groom (scrumhalf) are both available for selection this week.
“It would’ve been a tough one for Kitsie not selecting him after the disappointment of not making the World Cup squad,” Dobson said.
“It’s also tough on Alister Vermaak, but Steven is a proven performer and he’s very hungry to play again.”
Looshead prop Oliver Kebble (hamstring) is also still not quite 100% and will sit out this week.
Scrumhalf Jano Vermaak (finger) is taking a bit longer to recover than initially anticipated and will not also be available for the Griquas clash.
Utility forward Jurie van Vuuren (shoulder) is training at 100% and will be available for selection for this week.
Lock Chris van Zyl (knee) is also back at full training and will be available once again.
“We’ve played 3 of our 4 games thus far away from home – including 2 in a row,” Donson said.
“It’s always great to be back at Newlands and we would love to reward our die-hard fans with a victory at home.
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