Province aim to upset the Pumas
CURRIE CUP: HOPE TO REVERSE THEIR DREADFUL FORM
Western Province are gunning to upset the play-off chasing Pumas when they meet for their Currie Cup match-up at Mbombela Stadium tonight (kickoff 7pm).
It has been a tough competition for the Cape Town-based side so far, having picked up just one win – against the bottom of the table Lions – while suffering seven losses, including a sizeable 37-11 defeat against the Pumas at home earlier in the season.
The Pumas have by contrast had a decent campaign, picking up four wins against four losses and sit just one point behind Griquas, who are in fourth place on the log.
They head into the match against Province with plenty of confidence, having upset the Sharks in Durban in their last outing.
With Griquas having a bye this weekend, it gives the Pumas the perfect chance to move into the play-off positions.
The visitors however have other plans and will be eager to upset the odds and get back to winning ways with a big performance away from home, hoping the extra time they have had to prepare will count in their favour.
“This latest break has given us another chance to work on a few things and hopefully we will see the result of that on Friday night [tonight],” said Province Currie Cup head coach Jerome Paarwater.
“The players and coaches continue to work hard and we know that we will have to be at our best to come away with a win.”
Province have managed to bulk up their forward pack, with Stormers regular Neethling Fouche coming in at No 3 and powerful utility forward Ernst van Rhyn slipping in at No 4.
If they can gain dominance upfront, it will give their exciting backline plenty space to play.
Featuring experienced former Springbok Juan de Jongh in midfield and a back three of Angelo Davids, Sergeal Petersen and Tristan Leyds, Province are certainly not short of any attacking prowess in their backline.
The Pumas have however proven that they can mix it up with the best of them.
That much was evident in their win over the Sharks, and they will be confident playing on their home ground.