It might not be time to trash the Currie Cup entirely, but it sure is time to change
the format...
Coetzee wants a win
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Western Province coach Allister Coetzee feels that his charges have learned some tough lessons after last week's shock Currie Cup loss to the Falcons.
Province lost their last two games to the Griquas and the Falcons, at a time when both teams were at the bottom of the log.
This coming weekend, WP once again face a side occupying the bottom position in the Currie Cup standings in the Boland Cavaliers.
But this time round the 'Streeptruie' have two big factors in their favour - they are playing at their home stadium, Newlands, and coach Coetzee has the added bonus of reinforcing his team with four Springboks fresh from Tri-Nations duty.
Coetzee has predictably included all four those players (Bolla Conradie, Peter Grant, Schalk Brits and Brian Mujati) in the match squad for the Boland game.
However, Coetzee has kept the opposition guessing by bracketing both Willem de Waal and Peter Grant at number ten.
We'll probably
make a decision on the flyhalf spot on Friday," said Coetzee.
"Obviously we want our best players playing for us."
The coach made it clear that both players were fit and available for selection.
Another one of Western Province's Springboks, wing Tonderai Chavhanga, has been ruled out after failing to recover from an injury sustained in the Falcons game.
"Tondie took a big knock last week against the Falcons," said Coetzee. "We have decided against playing him this week."
Former Blue Bulls centre Dylan Des Fountain finds himself back in the team after missing out last week. Young PJ Vermeulen is the man to make way for Des Fountain this week.
Another surprise on the WP bench is the name of Nick Koster, a young loose forward who has been making great strides recently.
"It's good to have youngsters like Nick pushing for a place in the team," explained Coetzee.
"It has long been part of our vision and planning
here at Western Province to get these kind of players through.
"He's a talented player for the future, like other youngsters such as PJ Vermeulen.
"He's come through the WP Rugby Institute, so he's been part of the Western Province set-up for a while."
Province are of course desperate to remedy the mistakes that cost them victory over the past two weeks.
Coach Coetzee revealed that the whole squad have been hard at work taking stock after the shock defeat in Brakpan.
"Obviously we've looked hard and long at what went wrong in that game. I want the players to respond with a great attitude, and we will certainly lift our efforts this weekend.
"We need to get our guys to play to their potential, and have respect for the ball. If you play with commitment, and enjoy what you are doing, then you are bound to improve.
"We have worked hard on our discipline, and it's important for us to be more accurate in everything we
do.
"But we've learned a hard lesson. It is imperative that we put up a good show, and play for 80 minutes.
"There can be no excuses."