DHL Western Province are set to welcome back outside back Wandisile Simelane for a clash against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.
WP face the Johannesburg outfit in round 7 of the Currie Cup on the Highveld. The Capetonians will make the trip on the back of a tough loss to the defending champion Cheetahs last week, while the Lions thrashed the Pumas in Johannesburg.
Simelane, who missed the defeat by the Cheetahs due to injury, is available to bolster the midfield alongside promising Damian Markus. The duo impressed in WP’s 39-17 victory over the Griffons earlier this month, with Simelane’s experience shining through.
While WP celebrates Simelane’s return, the team faces setbacks with injuries to centres Jonathan Roche and Justin Geduld.
MORE: WP gaining valuable experience
Roche, who scored a hat-trick on debut earlier this season, has undergone surgery for a foot injury and is out for the remainder of the Currie Cup. Geduld, sidelined by a broken cheekbone, is also unlikely to return soon.
“Jonathan could potentially be included in the DHL Stormers’ squad for the Vodacom URC later this year,” assistant coach Labeeb Levy told reporters on Wednesday.
“He was great for us for the 21s and in the Currie Cup games he played for us. He reminds me a lot of Damian de Allende; the bravery, his attitude and way of running.
“Initially we hoped that with conservative treatment he would shake off the pain and be able to push through for the rest of the season. However, a thorough medical examination showed that an operation would be the best option.”
Levy also shared that Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff’s return from a knee injury is being carefully managed, while tighthead Sazi Sandi remains sidelined.
Photo: Khulani Media
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
