Western Province star Steven Kisthoff will miss tomorrow’s Currie Cup semifinal against the Sharks at Newlands (4.30pm) because of Covid-19 protocols.
It is a big blow to the Province team, with Kitshoff, who led the side when regular skipper Siya Kolisi was unavailable, statistically being their best player this term.
Statistics released by SA Rugby before the knockouts reveal that loosehead prop Kitshoff had the most ball carries (40) in the tournament, made the fourth-most tackles (55), second-most ball steals (3) and also won the third-most (3) breakdown turnovers of all players.
And for the 28-year-old to miss what could be the final match at Newlands ever has to hurt.
Kolisi, who returns from Covid isolation himself, says of the prop: “It’s tough to miss a guy like Kitsie, who’s been instrumental in this team.
“Playing the last game at Newlands is a huge honour – we are closing the book here at Newlands.
“We want to make sure we give our best for Kitsie, we want to make sure we give him another fair opportunity to also have an opportunity to play [in the final].”
Coach John Dobson adds: “He [Kitshoff[ has done very well in this campaign – it’s statistically proven.
“He is definitely one of my most important players and that is a blow. But I’m comforted by Ali Vermaak. I’ve got a long relationship with him and he was unlucky not to be a Springbok couple of years ago.
“To have Ali come in for Steve is brilliant.
“Steve [Kitshoff] will be back if we do progress.”
Lock Salmaan Moerat also returns to the team after Covid isolation as Province look to seal a spot in the final against either the Blue Bulls or the Golden Lions, who clash at Loftus Versfeld at 2pm.
Western Province: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Dan du Plessis, 12 Rikus Pretorius, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Tim Swiel, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Juarno Augustus, 7 Johan du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ali Vermaak. Replacements (from): 16 Scarra Ntubeni, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Chris van Zyl, 20 Ernst van Rhyn, 21 Jaco Coetzee, 22 Paul de Wet, 23 Ruhan Nel, 24 Sazi Sandi, 25 Tristan Leyds.