Province now in a must-win situation

Western Province coach John Dobson (right) admitted they might be teetering on the edge in their effort to qualify for this year's Currie Cup play-off matches.

After their disastrous 22-12 loss to the Pumas, Province find themselves in fourth position in the table with their 22 points just three behind the second and third-placed Cheetahs and Lions.

However, they will enjoy their final regular home game on Saturday against Griquas which is then followed by three tough away matches to the Blue Bulls, the Golden Lions and the Sharks.

Griquas suffered defeats of 34-17 and 40-22 in their last two games against the Lions and the Sharks but remain a force who can shock any team on any given day.

“We find ourselves in a potential position that if we win all four of those games we could secure a home semifinal,” said Dobson.

“But if we lose one of those games we could lose out altogether,” he said.

He has been boosted by the release of three of his Springboks in Dillyn Leyds, who can play fullback and wing, centre Damian de Allende and prop Wilco Louw.

Dobson said they weren't complacent, but let themselves down against the Pumas after leading 12-3 at the break but failing to score in the second period.

Dobson singled out numerous handling errors, a poor kicking game and their work at the breakdown as three of the main reasons for their defeat.

“We have seen how tough it has been for sides to go to Mbombela Stadium this season, so we knew we had to be at our best last Friday,” said Dobson.

“But we have challenged ourselves to lift our intensity and be as accurate as possible for what is a critical period in our Currie Cup campaign.”