Marcell Coetzee set to join WP
Adnaan Mohamed in Durban
Durban – The Stormers and Western Province is set to gain the services of Springbok loose forward Marcell Coetzee for next year’s Super Rugby and Currie Cup campaign.
DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – JUNE 13: Marcell Coetzee of the Cell C Sharks during the Super Rugby match against the DHL Stormers at Growthpoint Kings Park on June 13, 2015 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images)
This news was broken by former Springbok prop Toks van der Linde in an exclusive interview at Durban’s King Shaka airport on Sunday – a day after Western Province beat the Sharks 33-21 in the Currie Cup final.
Coetzee, who has won 28 Springbok caps after making his debut on 9 June 2012 under Heyneke Meyer, also represented the Sharks in 74 matches.
From 2015 to 2016 he played nine games for the Honda Heat side in Japan before heading off to play for Ulster in Ireland in this year’s Pro 14 competition.
Van der Linde said is excited about the prospect of the 26-year-old Springbok loose forward joining the Cape franchise.
DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – FEBRUARY 21: Marcell Coetzee of the Cell C Sharks during the Super Rugby match between Cell C Sharks and Emirates Lions at Growthpoint Kings Park on February 21, 2015, in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images)
“I can tell you now and you can write it, that I have reliably learnt from impeccable sources that he (Coetzee) will be coming to Cape Town.”
According to SA Rugby rules, an overseas-based player must have played in 30 or more tests for the Springboks to be eligible for selection for the current Bok team.
Van der Linde is generally happy with the group of 34 players selected by Bok coach Allister Coetzee for the end of year tour to Europe which will see them playing Ireland, France, Italy and Wales on consecutive weekends.
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – JUNE 11: Alister Coetzee coach of South Africa and Toks van der Linde share ideas during the 1st Castle Lager Incoming Series Test match between South Africa and Ireland at DHL Newlands Stadium on June 11, 2016, in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Luke Walker/Gallo Images)
The former Bok prop, however, feels that Toetie missed a trick with his loose forward selections.
“I believe the two WP loosies Sikhumbuzo Notshe and Nizaam Carr should both have been in the squad.
NELSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA – SEPTEMBER 15: Nizaam Carr of the DHL Western Province seeks divine intervention prior to the Currie Cup match between Steval Pumas and DHL Western Province at Mbombela Stadium on September 15, 2017, in Nelspruit, South Africa. (Photo by Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images)
“I can’t believe that not even one of them could make the squad.
“I mean Notshe came on last week in the semi and played brilliantly. And yesterday (Saturday) he once again showed his class in the final.
“I must say I like him (Notshe) very much. I think he is a player for the future. Everyone wrote off Nizaam Carr after he became ill and picked up an injury. He is a brilliant number eight and is playing the best rugby of his life. He was the man of the match in the semi and yesterday he was brilliant once again.
A loose trio of Marcell, Nizaam en Notshe is a mouth-watering prospect.”
DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 28: Sikhumbuzo Notshe of DHL Western Province gets his chance to hold the Currie Cup following their victory over the Cell C Sharks Growthpoint Kings Park on October 28, 2017, in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images)
“Imagine how they will perform behind a tight five including the likes of Wilco Louw, Bongi Mbonami and Stephen Kitshoff in the front row together with Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit in the engine room.
“And then there are still players like Siya Kolisi and a whole host of young players like Juarno Augustus who was outstanding for the under 21 side. Cobus Wiese is also still only 19. WP rugby is in a healthy state. The players must just be given opportunities and be managed properly,” he added.
Despite Van der Linde’s excitement regarding a Carr, Coetzee, Notshe loose-trio combination at Province, it was reported that Carr will join English club Wasps on a three-month loan deal. Carr will be back in January so they will be able to lay together for the Stormers.
The news was confirmed on the Wasps website on Monday.
Carr, who was exceptional in Saturday’s Currie Cup final against the Sharks in Durban will join up with Wasps as injury cover following a number of injuries to their loose forwards in recent weeks.
“Having lost Alex Rieder to a dislocated shoulder and with Ashley Johnson no longer being a back row option due to injuries at hooker, we have become pretty threadbare in that area.
“Nizaam has a strong reputation for his defence, athleticism and linking play and I’m sure he will prove himself a valuable addition to the squad even on a short-term basis. We look forward to welcoming him to the club.”
In addition to Johnson, Wasps already have the South African duo Willie le Roux (fullback) and Juan de Jongh (centre) on their books.
Although Carr’s form this Currie Cup season had propelled him into the Springbok mix, he missed the cut for South Africa’s end-of-year tour to Europe.
Carr has won five Springbok caps since making his debut against Italy in November 2014.
