Rookie loosehead prop Vernon Matongo could make his debut for injury-plagued Western Province this weekend in the Currie Cup clash against the Griffons at Cape Town Stadium.

Province’s experienced looseheads Alister Vermaak and Lizo Gqoboka were both injured during last weekend’s match against the Bulls in Pretoria, meaning the Cape Towners thinned out in the front row, with assistant coach Labeeb Levy saying it is highly unlikely the duo will play anytime soon.

Of the 22-year-old Matongo, who made his WP debut earlier in the competition as a substitute and could get his first start, Levy said: “Vernon has probably been waiting in the wings…

“Hoe sê rompe: ‘One man’s death is another man’s bread‘.

“So now it’s an opportunity for him to really step up and seize the opportunity, if he is selected.”

However, Levy says Junior Springbok captain Zachary Porthen is also an option for the loosehead position upon his return to the squad.

Daily Voice