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Duvenage out for the season

Cape Town - Western Province scrumhalf Dewaldt Duvenage has been ruled out for the season after breaking his leg in their win over the Blue Bulls.

Duvenage was carried off on Saturday night after he was heavily tackled and it was confirmed on Sunday that he broke the fibula in his right leg.

"Season-ending injuries are always tough to deal with - like Siya (Kolisi) last week and now Dewaldt. It's very unfortunate for Dewaldt and I feel for him, but we're lucky that we've got three quality scrumhalves here in Dewaldt, Louis Schreuder and Nic Groom. Our rotational policy (at scrumhalf) this season has put us in good stead," said coach Allister Coetzee.

Coetzee will be pleased with the way Duvenage's replacement on the night, Nic Groom, stepped up. Groom scored a try and showed he has a bit more in his arsenal on the attacking front.

Then there's also Schreuder, who had a decent game against the Lions the previous week and will be a more than capable replacement.

WP won the game in convincing fashion over their arch-rivals - the 42-6 scoreline surprising many a rugby pundit but Coetzee said they just stuck to their own game plan.

"Win or lose we always had a plan and we will always stick to that plan. Against the Bulls the guys executed the plan well and took their opportunities," he said.

"I'm really proud of the players. This is a quality Bulls side - the guys applied themselves well, so I'm happy."

The win saw WP move into second position on the overall Currie Cup log after going into the weekend's play in fifth spot.

The Capetonians had one other injury casualty in the game. Wing Ederies Arendse bruised his shoulder and will be out of action for about 10 days.

They take on the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein this coming weekend.

"Next week will be tough against the Cheetahs, but, for now, we're happy that we improved the things we worked on during the week - the breakdown, our penalty count and taking opportunities," said Coetzee.

"Last week against the Lions we had opportunities but just didn't take them, like we did against the Sharks in the first week. So we're aware that things swing in a round-about.

"The key, however, is to remain consistent and to try and match that intensity from the Bulls game in weeks to come."
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