CAPE TOWN - Western Province coach John Dobson is hoping flank Jaco Coetzee is “going to make it” for Saturday’s Currie Cup final against the Sharks, but knows Sikhumbuzo Notshe can fill the breach if need be.
Coetzee was set for a battle royal with the Du Preez brothers (Jean-Luc and Daniel) at Kings Park, but looks unlikely to make the trip to Durban after being forced to exit Saturday’s Currie Cup semi-final against the Lions with a head knock. He has since failed his sideline head injury assessment.
“We will give Jaco until later in the week because the protocols escalate day by day as to the amount of contact he can take and he’s not there yet” Dobson said.
“It would be a big loss if he didn’t play because he has serious stopping power. That’s why we will give him until as late as we can but I hope he is going to make it.”
Notshe, though, has eased Dobson’s somewhat concerns after the former Wynberg Boys prodigy produced a barnstorming performance after replacing Coetzee after just 21 minutes.
“He (Notshe) did a great job when he came on and if he has to start at No 6 in the final he will have to alter his game slightly like he did last weekend. Notch is a bit like Nemo (Nizaam Carr) in that he is a No 8,” Dobson explained.