Double Bok blow for WP

Western Province will have to do without injured Springbok tight forwards Andries Bekker and Tiaan Liebenberg in their semifinal against the Lions this weekend.

Bekker injured his right toe in the first half of their victory over the Cheetahs at Newlands on Saturday and will see a specialist this week, but has been ruled out of the Currie Cup semifinal in Johannesburg.

Liebenberg will also miss the match after picking up a knock to his back against the Cheetahs and will also see a specialist to determine the severity of the injury.

Meanwhile, WP coach Allister Coetzee also revealed that veteran scrumhalf Bolla Conradie had joined up at training as emergency back-up to incumbents Nic Groom and Louis Schreuder.

Coetzee commented: "We didn't see the need to disrupt the Under-21s, and Bolla indicated that he was available to come and train with us.

"He's an experienced campaigner and he knows our systems. He is here in case of emergency - should anything happen to Nic [Groom] or Louis [Schreuder]."

It remains unclear whether Conradie will actually be able to play if Groom or Schreuder are ruled out as he has not played the requisite five matches to be able to qualify to participate in the play-offs.

Rugby 365