Double blow for Western Province in Currie Cup

Western Province have suffered a double blow ahead of their Currie Cup Semi-final clash against the Golden Lions as Andries Bekker and Tiaan Liebenberg have been ruled out.

Springbok lock Bekker has a right big toe injury and although he will see a specialist this week he has been ruled out for Saturday’s match.

Bekker suffered the injury playing for Western Province in the first half of their victory over the Cheetahs.

Province will also be without Hooker Tiaan Liebenberg who picked up a back injury when he took a knock in last week’s match and he has been referred to a specialist to determine the exact extent of the injury.

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

“We didn’t see the need to disrupt the Under-21s, and Bolla indicated that he was available to come and train with us,” said Coetzee.

“He’s an experienced campaigner and he knows our systems. He is here in case of emergency – should anything happen to Nic or Louis.”