Province out to right the wrongs of the past

THERE will be no shortage of boxes Western Province will want to tick in their Currie Cup opener against the Blue Bulls at Newlands this weekend, and as far as exciting sub- plots go, well, there’ll be that too.

For one, they’ll want to strike back after the Bulls hammered them 39- 6 four weeks ago in their Super Rugby Unlocked meeting at Loftus Versfeld – a game in which the Bulls were completely dominant and did major damage in just three quarters of rugby as the game was abandoned in the 62nd minute due to a thunderstorm threat.

Overall, it was a forgettable performance by the Cape side up in Pretoria, with John Dobson describing their productions as “embarrassing” after the one- sided contest.

Then there’s also the fact that it could be the last time these two sides square off at Newlands, unless they meet in the play- offs in January.

Their forwards, for one, will certainly want to return the favour and dominate the opposition this time around.

It’s a challenge they’re looking forward to, lock Salmaan Moerat said during a virtual press conference earlier this week.

“Obviously, it is really tough accepting a loss like that, but I remember clearly after the game that one of the things we mentioned was just how excited we are to be getting them within four weeks of that game and here we are this weekend.

‘ It’s an exciting prospect and it’s something that we are looking forward to.

“You don’t always get this kind of an opportunity. We are excited for this weekend.

“We have prepared really well. It is always a massive game against the Bulls.”

A big change this season ( or since rugby returned locally) has been the empty stadiums, as spectators aren’t allowed due to Covid- 19 protocols.

On how they’ve adapted to running out at their home ground ( and for games in general) without the Faithful, Moerat said: “It’s a lot different.

“We’ve quickly realised that we won’t be getting our energy from the faithful. So we realised that needs to come from within our team.

“That’s where the bench comes in – they have made a massive difference over the past two weeks. Just the way they motivate the guys on the side of the field, it does go a long way.”

The match will kick off at 7pm on Saturday.