Smiling WP ready for final

JOIE de vivre.

That’s what Western Province coach John Dobson wants from his team as they try to retain the Currie Cup in the final against the Sharks at Newlands tomorrow.

WP have delighted the fans with some typical “Province rugby” this season as they steam-rolled their way into the final.

Dobson wants more of that, despite the pressure of a final.

“Chris (van Zyl, captain) and I have stressed that we have to go back to who we are. There is a reason we’re unbeaten and that’s because we play in a certain style with a smile on our faces, with some joie de vivre.”

“Guys like Dillyn Leyds and Scarra Ntubeni just epitomise how rugby should be played in this region, they’re mates on and off the field and they enjoy themselves. And I feel we lacked that last week.

“I know it sounds very romantic, but all we asked for this week was limited talk about the Sharks and for our players to just say who we are – guys who play attractive rugby with a smile on their face.”

That WP enjoyment has been clear on the field – from the brilliant team and individual tries to the post-try celebrations and high-fives, there’s been no shortage of swagger in this Province team.

“We know we’re going to have to work incredibly hard against an incredibly physical team who have got more Springboks who obviously, with the noise coming from Durban, think that they can win this game easily.

“But one thing I can promise is that this team will not go away, we will be there at the sharp end of this game and we’re going to try to do it the way we like to play rugby,” Dobson added.

Meanwhile, the FNB Stadium will be packed as Soweto giants Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs battle for not only the three points, but also for the bragging rights tomorrow.