Western Province (WP) coach Carel du Plessis on Wednesday announced that scrumhalf Neil de Kock will succeed Corne Krige as captain.
However, De Kock was a late withdrawal from the team to open their Currie Cup campaign against the Pumas on Saturday following a directive from SA Rugby, which wants only Tri-Nations squad members who are coming back from injury to play.
This means that the captaincy will revert back to Krige until De Kock has completed his international commitments, which could extend until after the Tri-Nations.
De Kock has been replaced in the WP starting line-up by Tertius Carse, with Paul Delport coming on to the bench.
Despite fresh faces such as Carse, fullback Rodger Smith, flyhalf Gareth Wright, lock Ross Skeate and loosehead prop JD Moller, WP will field a star-studded team with the Springbok centre pair of De Wet Barry and Jean de Villiers.
”This is an opportunity to phase in young and new players. The Currie Cup will provide them with a good test of character. It will be a chance to identify guys who have the makings of playing senior rugby,” said Du Plessis.
There is also a possibility that Krige will be granted an early release to English club side Northampton once De Kock returns.
”Corne is contracted until the end of the year, but it’s something we will look to re-assess according to the situation,” said Du Plessis.
Despite the disruption at scumhalf, Du Plessis expressed confidence in Carse stepping up to the mark.
”Tertius has worked with us over the past few weeks. He’s a very promising player,” said Du Plessis.
Regarding the Pumas, Du Plessis expects a tough onslaught.
”They are not an unknown factor to us. There are a number of experienced players such as Marius Goosen and Lodewyk Hattingh,” he said.
”They are a tough outfit. If we don’t sort out their pack it’s going to be a tough afternoon.” — Sapa