Western Province coach John Dobson is hoping Siya Kolisi can inspire his troops to victory when they host the Pumas in the Currie Cup at Newlands on Friday.
Kolisi has been sidelined since the end of May after suffering a knee injury while on duty for the Stormers against the Highlanders.
And with his provincial team currently on a two-match winless run in the Currie Cup, the Springbok captain’s return couldn’t have come at a better time for them.
Dobson explains: “I think our plan with Siya is to start him [against the Pumas].
“He will give the team a lot of confidence - that’s the one thing the team probably needs.
CONFIDENT: WP boss John Dobson. Photo: BackpagePix.
“When you lose a game, no matter how much you deserved to win it, the fact is you lost, and that changeroom is like a mortuary afterwards.
“So I think just his presence will make a big difference.”
He adds: “Siya’s been with us for almost three weeks now and every session he’s put in [the work] and contributed. Some Springboks come back and it’s beneath them, this guy is different.”
Kolisi is not the only boost for Province after back-to-back defeats to the Sharks and the Lions before last week’s bye.
Flyhalf Jean-Luc du Plessis is also fit again, with wing Sergeal Petersen also ready to start if selected when Dobson names his team on Thursday.