News

Montgomery on standby

October 02 2008

Western Province fly-half Peter Grant has to pass a fitness test on his injured ankle before he can take the field for the crucial Currie Cup match against the Lions at Newlands on Saturday.

Grant injured the ankle over the weekend against Boland at Wellington and was forced off the field. Utility back Joe Pietersen then took his place in the number ten jersey.

Grant was included in the side on Wednesday but coach Allister Coetzee has said he hasn't recovered fully yet.

Retired Springbok Percy Montgomery is on the reserves' bench and it seems he will take Grant's place in case the latter has to withdraw. Full-back Gio Aplon is on standby to take Montgomery's spot on the bench.

Pietersen will be starting the game at wing in place of flyer Tonderai Chavhanga, who suffered a hamstring tear at Wellington.

"Tonderai is injured and he won't make it for this weekend," said Coetzee.

"One would have hoped we could have given him as much time as possible to recover, but this is such an important game we really want to have guys who are 100 per cent fit for this one on Saturday."

In the light of Province's need to score four tries and win with 19 points, the loss of Chavhanga is a big blow and Coetzee admitted as much.

"It is a setback, as Tondi is renowned as our paceman in the side. We need to score four tries and then you always wanted some pace," he said.

"Having said that, Joe Pietersen's been with us throughout the season and whenever he came on he played very well, so it is another great opportunity for Joe."

The coach said the heavy underfoot conditions of the sub-standard Wellington pitch definitely contributed to the injuries of Chavhanga and Grant.

"It has definitely started there and a lot of our players were cramping due to the underfoot conditions, so it has taken its toll," said Coetzee.

The coach said Montgomery ran at fly-half during training sessions, but added that they also have Pietersen as an option as he played there when Grant was not available previously this season.

"We still have one training session before the match," said Coetzee.

"Thursday is a rest day, but Peter's injury is of such a nature that he has a chance to prove that he is fit before the captain's run on Friday."

Captain Jean de Villiers said he was happy that Montgomery would be up to the task in case the team has to rely on him on Saturday.

"He is a Test fly-half. He played Test rugby at ten, so I think he is an adequate replacement," said De Villiers.

"Obviously it will be difficult for him as he hasn't been in the system that long from a calling point of view.

"Hopefully I can guide him there and help him a bit. It obviously puts more pressure on him and more responsibility, but he is a guy with 102 Tests, so I think he can take the responsibility."