News

Western Province on track

September 22 2008

Western Province's fight for a place in the last four of the Currie Cup is on track and they now have a chance to improve their points difference on the tournament table when they take on the struggling Boland at Wellington on Saturday.

Western Province's hard work paid off handsomely this weekend when they moved into fourth position on the Currie Cup points table courtesy of a bonus-point victory over Griquas on Friday.

The Blue Bulls comprehensive win over the Cheetahs on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld also helped the men from the Western Cape to move closer towards a play-off berth.

Province dislodged the defending champion Cheetahs from fourth position, but only thanks to a superior points' difference and both teams have 32 points after 12 games with three games remaining.

The Western Province brains trust on Friday concurred that their performance against Griquas was unsatisfactory, but they were happy with the full house of points though.

Province started the game without Springbok hooker Schalk Brits, who was withdrawn at captain's practice on Thursday after suffering discomfort from a chess injury.

Coach Allister Coetzee said it was only a precautionary measure and he was confident that Brits would be available for the Boland clash.

Coetzee said he was satisfied that they got the five points they aimed for.

"Well, first of all, we played to get five points and we got five points. We are satisfied with that," he said.

"If you say things after the game about how you played you say it with a bit of emotion inside, so we have to go have a look at the video again and plan from there.

"Obviously it wasn't the best performance to be honest, but I still got to give credit to the team. There is pressure on this team to get five points week in and week out.

"A lot of championship sides have played badly one week but got the five points, so we are happy with that."

Captain Jean de Villiers left the field before the final whistle, but reassured fans that they have nothing to be concerned about.

"It was only cramping, it is an old habit, maybe I am not fit enough," he quipped.

Coetzee said a Bulls win over the Cheetahs would have been a bonus for Province, but he was only concerned with what they have control over and the Boland game is the next item on their agenda.

"I've got to start working and have a look at what we can improve on from the Griquas game, that is my first priority," he said.

"I just want to make sure that next week is going slick and plan to the tee. I am looking forward to the game against Boland next weekend.

"We weren't happy with our play at the breakdown. A lot can be said about maybe there was some form of negativity by guys going off their feet and trying to slow down the ball, but we cannot rely on the referee.

"When you go into future games and the tough games you got to handle that yourself.

"We got to look at our accuracy and technique there. I know we have quality players to do that.

"We have done it in the Super 14 and we must just make sure we can do it again."