Coetzee spoilt for choice

Western Province coach Allister Coetzee faces a selection dilemma ahead of the Currie Cup clash against the Blue Bulls at Newlands on Saturday.

With the likes of Scarra Ntubeni, Brok Harris, Ruan Botha, Rynhardt Elstadt, Kurt Coleman and Jaco Taute fit to return to action, Coetzee will have some tough decisions to make in the coming days.

'It will a bit of a selection headache but we will be looking for continuity because it is massively important,' said Coetzee.

One player who won't be available for selection is Tiaan Liebenburg, who has been ruled out of the match with a back complaint. The return of Ntubeni is likely to offset his loss, with Stephan Coetzee the other contender for the No 2 jersey.

Jaco Taute, who missed the 35-16 win over the Kings on compassionate leave, will return to provide options at centre and fullback. With Cheslin Kolbe currently occupying the fullback slot, Coetzee has hinted that Taute may get a run in the midfield.

'We are a bit thin at centre and Jaco has played for the Boks in midfield,' said Coetzee.

'We'll keep Juan de Jongh at 13 so we'll consider Jaco for the number 12 slot. We were very happy the way Michael van der Spuy and Pat Howard played there last week but Jaco has been in good form towards the end of the Super Rugby season.'

There is another selection poser at flyhalf, where Demetri Catrakilis is likely to be given the chance to build on Friday's solid performance.

'You don't want to send Kurt [Coleman] in and he can only give 50 or 60% of game time – he must be 100%.

'And it's healthy competition there. When Dim [Catrakilis] got injured against the Lions, Kurt took his opportunity and he played throughout Super Rugby.

'Well, the same thing happened now – Kurt got injured and Dim is there, and I think he played really well in his first game. And I think that is a good position to be in.'

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images