Cape Town - Western Province backline coach Robbie Fleck is confident new centre Marcel Brache will step up to the plate in the absence of Tim Whitehead.

Brache replaced Whitehead in the 12th minute of WP's game against the Pumas in Witbank last week. Whitehead injured medial ligaments in his knee and is expected to be out of action for at least four weeks.

Fleck says he was highly impressed with Brache's performance at No 12 and has therefore entrusted the Ikey to again don the jersey in their crucial Currie Cup clash against Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday.

"We were really impressed with Marcel's match at 12," the former Bok centre told Die Burger newspaper.

Brache normally plays outside centre or fullback for the University of Cape Town, but Fleck is nevertheless confident that he will succeed in the No 12 jersey.

"One would expect that he would be more confident when given more space, but I think there are so many things about him that actually suit an inside centre.

"He can straighten the line well, he's got an unbelievable pass, and he gets his hands through the tackle - and that's why Johann Sadie (outside centre) is able to play off him so nicely. The ball does not go dead and Marcel creates space. That's exactly what we expect from an inside centre on attack," said Fleck.

Fleck did acknowledge that they will miss Whitehead's stellar defence in midfield, but was equally impressed with Brache in that department.

"He turned over possession twice on the ground (against the Pumas) and was successful with 90% of his tackles. Those are impressive figures," said Fleck.