Louw fights to keep No 7 jersey

Justin Melck has been deemed fit enough for inclusion on Western Province's bench this week and Pieter Louw is on a mission to ensure that he stays there.

Province will almost certainly have to beat Griquas at Newlands on Saturday to qualify for the semifinals of the Currie Cup and with competition fierce in the squad there is little chance of complacency against the stubborn Kimberley outfit.

Melck, who impressed until his recent sidelining with a hamstring injury, will no doubt feature some time on Saturday with a view to regaining his place on the flank in the semifinals. However, Louw can swing coach Kobus van der Merwe's vote if he manages to build on his recent good performances against the Falcons and Lions.

"In any sport it's about competing for a position. It's been great to play and I don't want to finish now that Justin is back. Justin is a good player... Let's see who wears the jersey in the semifinal," said Louw on Thursday.

Melck will be the favourite given his performances earlier in the campaign and the fact that he has combined very well with Luke Watson and Robbie Diack.

However, Louw's excellent work-rate also gives him a solid case. Against the Falcons he made 12 tackles, cleaned 11 rucks, slowed down Falcons ball six times and created four turnovers. He carried the ball 12 times, though only eight times effectively.

Province saw less of the ball against the Lions, but all four of Louw's ball carries were effective. He cleaned 11 rucks, made 10 turnovers, slowed the ball four times and made two turnovers.

Those are impressive statistics for the South Africa under-21 international and point to the Stormers having another loose forward option in next year's Super 14.

"Pieter's contributions were very good against the Lions and Falcons. The up side is that he has a great work-rate, but he can be more clinical in the effectiveness of what he does. That comes with game time and confidence about his role," said WP assistant coach Gary Gold.

Melck probably holds the edge in terms of effectiveness, though a run out against Griquas is a good opportunity for Louw to enhance his reputation.

His namesake, Francois, is equally keen on making an impression in his first start at No 8. It's unlikely that he will dislodge Robbie Diack (out with stomach flu) from the position, but he can also play flank and the former Bishops boy's natural aggression can be a valuable commodity if he channels it correctly.

"Francois is very tough. He doesn't stand back and will make sure that he finishes the tackle as opposed to just making it. He's good on the floor and strong in contact. We will be fielding three loose forwards this weekend who are all good on the floor," said Gold.

Pieter and Francois - who have played against each other at junior level since the age of 9 - may well be in a position where they are competing for a place in the squad next week.

If the first-choice loose-trio of captain Watson, Melck and Diack is reinstated for the semifinals, there will be only one spot on the bench for another loose forward.

Province should beat Griquas and will then hope that the Cheetahs can gift them a home semifinal by turning over the Blue Bulls at Loftus. The Lions are set to briefly move into second place tonight by beating the Pumas, but their fate is entirely dependent on what the other sides do on Saturday.

Dick Muir's Sharks, who currently occupy fourth place, shouldn't have too much trouble with the Falcons, suggesting the Lions' hopes are rooted in the Cheetahs giving the Bulls a hiding in Pretoria.