Province expecting a battle in Kimberley
This one’s going to be massive.
Not like Western Province taking on Griquas is ever not, but today’s Currie Cup clash in Kimberley (kickoff 7pm) is going to be especially big. And Province know that.
The Cape side have to win their last two games in order to book a home semi-final, while Griquas – who top the log – will be keen to do their impressive reputation when playing at home justice.
After two wins and two losses, Province know that there is no room for error going forward, and even though John Dobson had to make a number of changes due to Springbok call-ups for Dillyn Leyds, Wilco Louw, Scarra Ntubeni, with Siya Kolisi also having returned to the Springboks, he seemed confident in the quality of the team he’s named.
Dobson said that their defence was a major focus for them this week as he felt that they were too tight in that department in their 45-14 win over the Pumas.
The Pumas, though, didn’t fully make use of the space in the wide channels.
“I think they’re much more structured now,” Dobson commented on Griquas.
“George Whitehead controls the game, they play for territory a lot and they’ve got good carriers in guys like Sias Koen and Zandre Jordaan. So it’s a slightly different Griquas team.
“Last week I thought our defence was a bit tight, but that’s been our main focus this week – to put them under pressure defensively, we need good line speed and we need to get off the line.”
Brent Janse van Rensburg’s team will be going into the match with the pleasant knowledge that they beat WP back in 2017 in Kimberley, although WP went on to claim the Currie Cup trophy later that year.
There’s also their SuperSport Challenge semi-final win over WP earlier this year, although it was a different competition. Still, Griquas never hold back when they play at home, one thing WP skipper Chris van Zyl needed no reminding of.
“One thing about going to Kimberley is that they always seem to get up more for it,” Van Zyl said.
“We know that they’re up for it big time. But I’ve got full confidence and I don’t need to say much because I know the guys are fully aware of what’s waiting for us.”
WESTERN PROVINCE
STARTING XV: SP Marais, Sergeal Petersen, Ruhan Nel, Dan Kriel, Seabelo Senatla, Josh Stander, Justin Phillips, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, JD Schickerling, Ernst van Rhyn, Chris van Zyl, Salmaan Moerat, Carlu Sadie, Chad Solomon, Corne Fourie; REPLACEMENTS: Schalk Erasmus, Kwenzo Blose, Neethling Fouche, David Meihuizen, Nama Xaba, Paul de Wet, Damian Willemse, Edwill van der Merwe