‘Every game is a final’ as Western Province face physical Pumas in tough Mbombela showdown

WESTERN PROVINCE defence coach Norman Laker says they need to build on their performance against the Cheetahs when they face the Pumas at Mbombela Stadium on Friday.

In their opening Currie Cup fixture, WP secured a massive 32-0 win over the Cheetahs in extremely testing conditions at Newlands.

And as good as that victory was, Laker knows they can’t float on that cloud for too long.

“You don’t always get an opportunity not to concede any points. It was a tough game and obviously we’re very pleased with the performance. But it is something to build on now. It is a standard that we have set ourselves and we must keep on building and get better with as the season carries on,” he said.

Ahead of their opener, WP went on a two-match pre-season tour to France.

“Last year we didn’t have any pre-season, which was very different to this year. Last year we had a week to prepare.

“Like we all know, going to Mbombela is going to be a tough game, we lost there last year. We know they are a physical team and we know what they are capable of doing.

“But we must focus on ourselves and know that everything is in order in our house.”

Last year, the defending champions struggled to get going in the competition as they lost to the likes of the Cheetahs and Pumas away, and while Laker is expecting a physical test, he also highlighted the threats the Pumas have at their disposal.

“They are almost like a Bulls 2009 team, very physical. They kick quite a lot, have good forwards and if they do get the opportunity out wide they can burn you. JP Lewis has played for us for quite a while, we know him. Hennie Skorbinski...we know him and he has played with the Sevens with Ruhan (Nel). So if they do get a sniff out wide they will take it, but they are a big pack and they are a kicking-orientated team.”

“So I think there are a few lessons we can take from it (last year). We have worked on it to make sure we don’t have to have to learn lessons again in Nelspruit this weekend because there is no second round. If you fail in the first one you can’t come back to Newlands and say you lost the first one and you will get this one back.”

“Almost every game is a final, so it is tough every single time you play against the opposition. It doesn’t matter who you play against, every single team is competitive in this competition.”

“We are highly motivated going to the Pumas.”