11 Test Boks start for WP

2008-09-03 22:31

Stephen Nell

Cape Town - Allister Coetzee on Wednesday produced his big guns for Saturday's Currie Cup match against the Cheetahs in a final desperate attempt for Western Province to make it into the semifinal round.

"It's good to have the Springboks back. It makes a helluva difference for us," the WP coach said on Wednesday after announcing his starting line-up with 11 Test players in its ranks.

Francois Louw (flank), Adriaan Fondse (lock) Wicus Blaauw (loosehead prop) and Sireli Naqelevuki (wing) are the only non-Springboks who will start for WP.

Jean de Villiers takes over the captaincy from Gcobani Bobo, while Peter Grant (flyhalf), who has recovered from his shoulder injury, will team up with Ricky Januarie at scrumhalf.

Percy Montgomery was battling a stomach virus earlier this week and will be rested. This will hardly be a problem, as the brilliant Conrad Jantjes is available at fullback for WP.

"Percy would not have had the time to go through all the moves with us, which is why we have not included him in the squad," said Coetzee.

"The captaincy decision wasn't at all difficult, as Jean is our senior captain."

Coetzee warned his team not to expect things to fall too easily into place. "It's not just going to happen automatically. The Cheetahs are a good side, and all the more so on their home ground."

"They do the basics very well and attack you in the set phases.

"They also kick tactically well and we will have to come up with total rugby.

"It's always a big thing for teams to beat WP. The centre pair Meyer Bosman and Robert Ebersohn will go flat-out to show their mettle against Jean de Villiers and Gcobani Bobo."

Coetzee believes his players are not at all short on motivation. "The guys could have come back and said they are tired and want to rest. But it's gladdening that they live for WP."

Ross Skeate (lock) is not available, because of a shoulder injury. A decision will be taken next week about whether it will be necessary for him to undergo surgery.

The team:

Conrad Jantjes, Tonderai Chavhanga, Gcobani Bobo, Jean de Villiers (captain), Sireli Naqelevuki, Peter Grant, Ricky Januarie, Luke Watson, Francois Louw, Schalk Burger, Andries Bekker, Adriaan Fondse, Brian Mujati, Schalk Brits, Wicus Blaauw.

Replacements - Deon Fourie, JC Kritzinger, AJ Venter, Nick Koster, Bolla Conradie, Joe Pietersen and Wylie Human.

- Die Burger