Kolisi, De Jongh to start for WP

INLSA

Western Province coach Allister Coetzee named returning Springbok Siya Kolisi, pictured, and Juan de Jongh for the side's Currie Cup match against the Golden Lions.

Cape Town – Returning Springbok squad members Juan de Jongh and Siya Kolisi will be back in the Western Province team to play the Golden Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Jebb Sinclair (flank) and JP du Plessis (centre) move to the substitutes' bench as a result.

No other changes were made to the side that battled to overcome a gritty Griquas outfit in Kimberley last weekend.

WP head coach Allister Coetzee said De Jongh and Kolisi made an impact at training this week.

"They are not in the Springbok mix for now, but they are home with us again," said Coetzee, at Wednesday's team announcement.

"Their presence in our camp made an impact which works well for the match ahead. De Jongh was always going to be our vice-captain this season, and he'll take over that role from Marcel Coetzee."

Coetzee said the Currie Cup competition this year was a very short one and defeats could prove costly because of strong opposition from one week to another.

"When considering selections it's important to manage the side so that players are ready to perform when they're called upon," said Coetzee.

"Dewaldt is one cap away from making his 50th appearance for Province, but for the sake of continuity I've gone with Louis (Schreuder) again. Players like to get their 50th cap at home, at Newlands, so it's not going to happen for Dewaldt.

"Very soon I'll be looking to give (Nick) Groom a start (at scrumhalf) as well.

"I'll go with advice of the medical staff, but I'd like to see Duane (Vermeulen) going on to play for 60 minutes this week. Last week he went for 40 and he needs to intensify to build up his strength again.

"He is not yet ready for Springbok selection, but it's just a matter of time before he'll be considered for national team duty."

Coetzee said that traditionally WP battled against the Lions in Currie Cup games, but results between the teams had gone the Stormers' way in Super Rugby.

"I can't put my finger on that, but the Lions play with their Super Rugby team," said Coetzee.

"They are a good team, well coached, and dangerous opponents. They have a solid set-piece. We have a great respect for the Lions."

Province have been unimpressive this season and Coetzee feels the one problem facing his side is their inability to use scoring opportunities.

WP skipper Deon Fourie said the team had been working hard on set-pieces this week.

"We've done well at scrum time but okay at line-outs. It's two areas where we want to do well because it's so vital to have the upper hand there," said Fourie.

"The guys that we've had in the system are doing well when they've been called up." – Sapa