There will be an interesting flyhalf subplot when the Sharks and Western Province clash at Kings Park on Saturday, writes CRAIG LEWIS.
After the conclusion of the Rugby Championship this past weekend, the Currie Cup has come back into focus at the business end of the competition, while interest has also been sparked by the return of a number of Springboks.
Ahead of Saturday’s clash in Durban, Western Province have been boosted by the return of powerhouse prop Wilco Louw, while the Sharks have named Dan du Preez at No 8, with Chiliboy Ralepelle, Jean-Luc du Preez and Louis Schreuder bolstering the bench.
Aside from these Springbok drawcards, it can’t be completely overlooked that Western Province flyhalf Robert du Preez will once again face up against his twin brothers and his father – who is coach of the Sharks.
There is something about this fixture that has often brought out the best in Du Preez, but to make matters even more interesting is the expectation that this could be the last time he lines up in the opposing camp.
It’s become something of an open secret that Du Preez will be heading to the Sharks next year, where he will add depth at flyhalf in the absence of now France-based Pat Lambie.
This week, WP coach John Dobson made no secret of the fact that it could add an extra spicy element to Saturday’s proceedings.
‘Just rumours?’ he asked with a laugh when questioned on the subject of Du Preez’s reported move, before openly adding: ‘Rob does have a good record against his dad, but it actually aligns quite nicely for us because in a way he’ll be trying to play for a place there next year, and so I’m excited to see that.
As it is, Curwin Bosch has been outstanding at flyhalf since returning to the Sharks from the Boks, and is likely to be the incumbent holder of the No 10 jersey when the next Super Rugby season rolls around.
Another Junior Boks star, Damian Willemse, remains at fullback for Province, with the youngster having been named the Most Promising Senior Back at this week’s WP Rugby awards.
‘Obviously Damian is the future [at flyhalf], but we’ve got ourselves into a situation where we have to make horses for courses selections,’ Dobson commented. ‘We’ve had a good look at the combinations, and that’s why we’ve gone for Rob.’
Dobson was alluding to the fact that Province’s loss to the Lions last weekend means this has become a must-win match if they hope to secure second place and a home semi-final.
The wet weather in Durban all week has also added to Western Province’s expectation of a big kicking battle on Saturday.
‘We know the Sharks are a very territory-based team with a good kicking game. So we felt to have two fullbacks [in the back three] in this instance was a good thing. I thought Rob did well with the territory last week in Joburg, and we felt for Rob or Damian to miss out wouldn’t be the right thing.
‘Dillyn [Leyds] is a fullback and he must return there,’ Dobson added, ‘but we’ve had a look at the conditions and there is going to be a heavy field, maybe some rain and a howling wind, so it’s good to have good kickers.’
Meanwhile, another mouth-watering battle to look out for will be at scrum-time, when Louw and Thomas du Toit – who also spent time with the Boks – go head to head.
‘I’d be a lot more nervous if he [Louw] wasn’t around,’ Dobson commented wryly. ‘I thought he was outstanding for the Boks last weekend. The conversation with Wilco is an easy one because he’s now an international prop, so he has to show his class there.
‘Wilco versus Thomas du Toit will be a great battle. Wilco described it [making his Bok debut] as the greatest day of his life, and you can see there’s a lot more confidence and swagger about him now. So I’m excited to see how he goes.’
PREVIEW: Currie Cup (Round 14)
Photo: Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images
