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Koster: Set to start at Newlands
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Western Province will have to tackle the Free State Cheetahs in their Currie Cup clash at Newlands on Friday with two new flankers.
Flankers Rynhardt Elstadt (dislocated thumb) and Pieter Louw (rib) were injured in the 27-16 defeat to the Sharks over the weekend at Absa Stadium and will not be considered for the next game.
Coach Allister Coetzee would probably now have to look at Pieter Myburgh or Yaya Hartzenberg to form a new-look loose trio with Nick Koster and number eight Duane Vermeulen.
Koster and hooker Deon Fourie replaced Elstadt and Louw respectively in the first half.
"It was not ideal to have a hooker at flank, but we cannot use that as an excuse," said Coetzee.
"We battled in the set phases. We lost a lot of line-outs and was under pressure in the scrums. I expect high standards from my players and we will be having a frank and tough discussion on Monday."
Coetzee added that the defeat was a much-needed wake-up call ahead of the second phase of the Currie Cup. Province conceded their unbeaten record against the Sharks and are now three points behind their coastal rivals in second place.
Coetzee believes over-confidence could have played a role in the defeat.
"We messed this one up properly and will have to pick ourselves up for the second round," said the WP coach.
"We were poor. You can't build phases if you are unable to hold onto the ball."
Coetzee believes the return of some Springboks and home advantage will strengthen their chances of a first-place finish on the log.
"I'm still happy with where we find ourselves in the tournament," he said.
"We have four home games in the second round and will get some of our Boks back. We will just concentrate on the next game and that is against the Cheetahs."
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