Cape Town - To compound the woes of Western Province after their 62-32 defeat to the table-topping Lions over the weekend, the Cape side side are walking wounded as they approach the business end of the competition.
Province are third on the log with one round of fixtures remaining, and at just four points behind the Bulls could still nip second place on the standings. But their task against the EP Kings on Friday will be made difficult at least five injury concerns.
Kobus van Wyk (hamstring contusion), Chris Cloete (calf muscle) and Cheslin Kolbe (bone bruising and a knock to shoulder) all not available for selection this week, while Scarra Ntubeni (calf muscle) and Rynhardt Elstadt (quadracep) remain on the injured list and are also unavailable.
There was some good news on the injury front with Jano Vermaak (groin strain) and Dillyn Leyds (groin strain) returning to fitness to become available for selection.
The respective Under-21 and Under-19 teams will be in action as well on Friday, with the WP Under-19's taking on the EP Kings at 1.45pm and the Under-21's meeting at 3.45pm. - ANA