Western Province won’t miss a beat with Dillyn Leyds deputising at fullback for Cheslin Kolbe against the Pumas at Newlands on Saturday (3.30pm).
“Even without a star like Cheslin, a back three of Seabelo Senatla, Kobus van Wyk and Dillyn Leyds is really nice,” WP coach John Dobson said yesterday.
Kolbe has been ruled out for one week with an ankle injury suffered during last week’s 29-14 win against the Blue Bulls.
Leyds has big shoes to fill given Kolbe’s reputation for being able to turn poor kicks into long-range counter-strikes. Dobson doesn’t think the 23-year-old will have any problem filling in at No 15.
“Dillyn is a great footballer and he plays with a smile on his face, but he’s never really been a wing,” the WP coach said. “He’s done a great job for us there, but he always was a fullback.”
It was while on duty with the WP juniors that Leyds fine-tuned his tactical skills and this has given Dobson confidence that Kolbe’s performance standards will be maintained.
“He’s (Kolbe) not just a road runner, he has a good kicking game and Dillyn is very similar,” he said.
“He’s also very good in the air, and a great counter-attacker, so I don’t think much will change for us.”
Nothing has changed in the status of flyhalf Kurt Coleman’s calf and he will miss a third successive match. Meanwhile, the recurrence of a calf injury has put Scarra Ntubeni’s season on ice for three weeks, which should see Michael Willemse start behind hooker Bongi Mbonambi.
Dobson confirmed that there is uncertainty over flank Rynhardt Elstadt (quad) and prop Steven Kitshoff (chest).
If Kitshoff doesn’t pass a fitness test this week, Oli Kebble will likely be promoted to face standout Stormers and Pumas tighthead Vincent Koch.
Captain Juan de Jongh is set to make his comeback against the Lions next week and, together with the availability of Jaco Taute, will motivate midfielders Huw Jones and Johnny Kotze to produce their best against the Pumas.
The Pumas may be sixth on the Currie Cup standings, but recent experience has taught Dobson to treat the Nelspruit side with extreme caution.
“We just want to drive for a home semi and that makes this game a non-negotiable,” the WP coach said. - Cape Times