Dobson wary of Sharks twins
COACH’S TWO SONS TIPPED TO MAKE IT HARD
WP mentor hopes his side have learned a few lessons.
The Sharks’ set of Springbok loose-forward brothers, the Du Preez twins Dan and JeanLuc, could hold the biggest threat for the hosts in this weekend’s Currie Cup final at Newlands, Western Province coach John Dobson believes.
Province were preparing for their attempt to become the first team to win back-to-back titles since the Cheetahs lifted the cup between 2005 and 2007, though the Free State side shared the title with the Blue Bulls in 2006 after playing to a 28-28 draw in the final.
“The final is going to be a lot more gainline based, especially when the Sharks start their offload game and guys like the Du Preez brothers and Marius Louw (centre) come around the corner,” Dobson said.
Changes would be made to the side, he confirmed, after they had been exposed in a few areas.
Province are also waiting on the availability of scrumhalf Jano Vermaak who has a thumb injury.
“There are definitely going to be a few changes,” Dobson said.
“Fortunately we have got good depth and we have a few guys on ice who might come in.
“Scarra (Ntubeni, hooker) defensively was magnificent (in the semifinals), and this week is all about freshening up, but we will have to tweak a few things.
“Jano should be at about 99 percent, which will make a big difference to our side, I think.”
Having been under the pump in their narrow 35-32 win against the Blue Bulls last week, Dobson said they needed to learn to steal the ball a bit more, whether it was through line speed or turnovers.
He commended his side for staying calm, however, after the match went to extra time.
“They realised we had to play territory and get the penalty and that’s exactly what happened,” he said.
Dobson hoped the lessons learned last week would teach them to play “finals rugby”.
“We were pressed in the wider channels, and we probably didn’t stick to the plan, certainly not in our territory game.”
Jaco Peyper, meanwhile, was appointed to referee his third straight Currie Cup final in Saturday’s clash.
It will be his fourth final in the last seven years.