Allister Coetzee, the DHL Western Province coach, is preparing his team for a tough 80 minutes when the Men in Blue & White travel to Johannesburg to take on the MTN Golden Lions in the Absa Currie Cup on Saturday (kick-off 17h05).
Fresh from their come-from-behind 25-20 win over GWK Griquas last weekend, DHL WP will head to the home of the Absa Currie Cup champions in Round Three of the 2012 competition.
Whilst the Lions had a tough Vodacom Super Rugby campaign, and have been relegated from the 2013 tournament, their Absa Currie Cup form this season has been very good – starting with a 43-20 win over the Free State Cheetahs before losing to the Sharks last week, after conceding three late tries.
“Tough times often bring a team together rather than pull them apart, and we have respect for the Lions team we face this weekend,” said Coetzee when asked about going up against the Lions.
“We are under no illusions, we know what is coming, they are a very good team. They have got a very good set-piece. They have a fantastic scrum, you saw against the Sharks how powerful they can be, they have got a great line-out and intelligent backs.
“The fact remains that no team goes to Coca-Cola Park and wins easily,” added the DHL WP boss.
“I have said it before in Super Rugby too – this Lions side has been unfortunate to have lost closely, they lost yes, they only won three games in Super Rugby, but the majority they lost within seven points. That same group of players are playing together again in the Currie Cup, so we have got to pitch up, play well and make sure that we take the opportunities we create this weekend.”
Western Province have been boosted by the inclusion of Springbok squad members Siya Kolisi (flank) and Juan de Jongh (centre) for the trip to Johannesburg, whilst powerhouse No.8 Duane Vermeulen will make his second successive start after his comeback against Griquas last Saturday.
“I pushed it already last week, Duane was supposed to play for 30 minutes only,” admitted Coetzee, “but fortunately it went well (and he lasted for 40 minutes). We are definitely looking at 60 minutes this weekend.
“The big message from my side is that Duane has played 40 minutes of rugby and that is a big positive. He is obviously definitely not where he should be at this point in time and if I say that then he is definitely not ready for international rugby.”
