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Coetzee settled on starting XV

Cape Town - Western Province will be sweating over the fitness of Jaco Taute ahead of Saturday's Currie Cup semi-final against the Blue Bulls at Newlands.

The inside centre suffered injury to his rib cage just over 10 days ago against the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

His condition will be reassessed on Thursday when Province announce their 22-man semi-final squad.

"Jaco Taute is our only injury concern at the moment and we'll give him a chance until Thursday when a decision will be taken," said Province coach Allister Coetzee at Monday.

He said hooker Tiaan Liebenberg would not be available for selection.

The Province training group would be bolstered by the returning Springbok Sevens Springboks when Seabelo Senatla and Justin Geduld return to Cape Town.

"We're having a good look at Senatla's condition because he's played far more games than was set out for him this season," Coetzee said.

"They'll both start training straight away so that they are integrated back into the team routine as soon as possible. They're keen to play Currie Cup rugby again."

Fullback Cheslin Kolbe and lock Jean Kleyn were continuing to make progress after recent injuries and it both players were likely to be ready for Saturday's match.

Coetzee said he was more or less certain about his starting XV but still had doubts about the composition of the bench, and whether to go with an additional forward.

"Players like Pat Howard have played themselves into contention for semi-final inclusion and then some players like Kobus van Wyk are in really good form, which gives me a couple of options.

"I'm 100 percent sure about the starting line up but my mind is about 95 percent made up about the bench. I have not yet decided about the bench split but we'll pick a team that will be best prepared for what they're up against."

Coetzee said Province had noted the big strides the Bulls had made in recent weeks.

"On Saturday we're up against a team that has improved immensely. They have one of the best line-out mauls. Some of their players were displaying better form of late and they have got their beliefs back. The factors combined makes them one very dangerous team."

Coetzee said he was aware of speculation that Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard may be fielded at inside centre in the Bulls line-up on Saturday.

"As far as we're concerned, we won't change the way we want to play because Pollard is at 12 rather than 10. It does not matter who plays at 12 for them.

"We're looking at what we want to do and we're mindful that this is a one-off game."

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