News

Pietersen in doubt for Province

July 14 2009

Western Province full-back Joe Pietersen is likely to miss Saturday's Currie Cup clash with the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

The nippy number fifteen suffered a haematoma in last weekend's victory over the Sharks at Newlands. On Monday, coach Allister Coetzee admitted that the injury was worse than it looked initially and said he would not risk Pietersen.

"Joe got a knock on the upper leg - it was a vicious bump and he has a lammie now. He went for a MRI scan today, but the chances are remote that he will be ready to play against the Bulls," said Coetzee.

"We would not even take a chance.

"Gio Aplon fortunately is with us and he will be ready in case we press on his number to play. He is a member of the SA Sevens squad but he is with us at the moment.

"If Joe is ready for next weekend's game Gio could still go play in the Sevens tournament overseas."

Pietersen was the only casualty from the physically tough game at a wet and windy Newlands on Saturday. The coach, however, still has to do without a host of injured stars.

Flank Duane Vermeulen is still not ready for a return. The big loose forward injured a finger against the British and Irish Lions and missed the Sharks game.

"In such tough and big games you don't want to use a player who is only 80 per cent fit.

"It is important that you back your back-up players. You cannot expect a guy to do the pre-season training and work hard and then you don't give him a chance to play.

"The back-up players can gain valuable experience and when those injured guys are ready you would have added value to your team's depth. Duane is not ready yet and will not be considered for the Bulls game."

Other injured players such as Hilton Lobberts, Francois Louw and Brian Mujati are also still on the mend. The Province team for the Blue Bulls clash will be announced on Wednesday.