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Luke Watson often emphasises that he does not like using cliché’s, but he knows that the next three weekends can be a matter of “make or break” for Western Province in this year’s Currie Cup.
Province play the Sharks in Durban on Saturday, with matches against the Blue Bulls and Cheetahs to follow.
Stephen Nell reports for Sport 24 that the Sharks and Blue Bulls will be strengthened significantly by returning Springboks later in the Currie Cup, which puts pressure on WP to make hay while the sun shines.
“We do approach it on a game by game basis, but can really place ourselves in a strong position by doing well in the next three games,” said Watson.
“The next three games are hugely important and Saturday’s against the Sharks will be one of the toughest. We will be completing the second round with more home games, which may be a little easier.”
Province coach Allister Coetzee is probably right in describing the Sharks as favourites before Saturday’s game, but there is enough confidence among his players to approach the match in a positive frame of mind.
“I would not say we are feeling like underdogs, but that is probably the case if you analyse it on paper,” said Watson.
“The Sharks are at the top of the log and we are second, while they are also playing on their home ground. They are a well-balanced side and I expect them to attack from everywhere.
“With Rory Kockott and Juan Martin Hernandez possibly being added to their side, they will get an injection of strike power and experience. However, we are making good progress. We realise this is going to be a tough challenge, but we’re looking forward to it.”
The only change to the WP starting line-up this week is Chris Jack’s return at lock in place of the injured Adriaan Fondse.
Flyhalf Peter Grant again did not train on Wednesday afternoon, leaving Joe Pietersen to run the moves at flyhalf. Nevertheless, WP announced that Grant would be the flyhalf.
Coetzee feels he has to manage his players’ bumps and bruises.
Props Wicus Blaauw and Brock Harris also watched the session from the sidelines.
“We all know Bash can defend, so why use him in a defensive session?” said Coetzee.
He added that it would be “another three weeks” before Willem de Waal would be available again.
he knows that the next three weekends can be a matter of “make or break” for Western Province
That is the case for anyone other than Boland and the Leopards, but thanks for pointing it out for us Luke.
what would we do without him?
@KSA Shark © (Comment 1) : Geez, critical much? He doesn’t actually mention “make or break” and its never put in context if he does.
But hey… if you’re looking to bash someone I’m sure you can find something.
maybe luke should’ve spoken about the sharks’ nice kit, in that way he wouldn’t be accused of stating the obvious…have you listened to muller’s interviews? Chucking a “you know” in every sentence every four words
“we’re top of the log @ the moment, you know, but we’re not focusing on that, you know, because we learnt in the super14 that, you know,being number 1l @ half way, you know doesn’t mean anything because, you know, the wheels can come off like we saw earlier this year”
.
@quota (Comment 4) : you know
@robdylan (Comment 5) : ha ha ha…
@robdylan (Comment 2) :
Well for one you wouldn’t score loads of FL points!!!
@quota (Comment 4) :
Or Frans ‘Verstaan’ Steyn!!
You know, Stef does the interviews these days, you know.
@Salmonoid (Comment 9) : well not if you were watching supersport blitz this morning, johan muller’s mug was the one on my screen, you know!
two thumbs up!
@quota (Comment 10) :
Is he the captain again?
I fear it’ll will be going the way of ‘break’ this weekend.
@McLovin (Comment 13) : You smarter than you look
@Salmonoid (Comment 12) : i don’t know but what i quoted earlier about the sharks bring no1 & the wheels coming off, is what muller had to say on blitz this morning while i was having my cereal…
bring=being
@quota (Comment 15) :
I see he is captain again, at least Stef can leave with a 100% success record. Maybe he should think of retiringnow – he’s on a high and its obvious that PdeV is going to ask the Sharks to now play Ruan at fullback in future games.
@quota (Comment 15) : what cereal did you have?
@robdylan (Comment 18) : muesli, if you have to know…
Rob just luurrvs his coco pops! Lol
@wpw (Comment 20) : weg is jy!
I would never eat something as unhealthy as that!