DHL Western Province coach Allister Coetzee saw his team’s 25-20 win over GWK Griquas on Saturday as a massive improvement… and he is targeting more of the same come this weekend’s Absa Currie Cup, Round Three meeting with the MTN Golden Lions.
The Men in Blue & White fought back from 0-12 down to claim a brave 25-20 win over the Peacock Blues in Kimberley – just a week after losing at home to the Sharks in the opening round of action, a match described by their coach as a “comedy of errors”.
“Our error rate was down (against Griquas), hopefully we can improve on that some more against the Lions,” commented Coetzee ahead of Saturday’s Golden Lions clash at Coca-Cola Park (kick-off 17h05).
“It’s never easy in Johannesburg, we know that, and we’re aware of what’s coming. But we need to keep our errors down and look after the ball – it’s one area you really have to be sharp in (against the Lions).”
WIth an injury list on the decline, and the return of Springbok squad members Siya Kolisi (flank) and Juan de Jongh (centre), coach Coetzee had reasons to be cheerful after the week’s first training session on Monday.
“It’s sad to see them out of the national squad, but at the same time I’m glad to see them back in Province colours,” said the DHL WP boss when asked about having Kolisi and De Jongh back in the selection mix.
“The Lions are the one team with a near Vodacom Super Rugby side and they are, after all, the Absa Currie Cup champions. They will be ready for us in Johannesburg, so it’s great to have them back.”
Winger Ederies Arendse (ankle) is a doubtful starter for this weekend, but captain Deon Fourie (also ankle) will lead his team into battle at Coca-Cola Park – despite sitting out training on Monday.
Vice-captain Marcel Brache was sporting a black eye from Saturday’s physical clash in Kimberley but he, too, would be fine to travel to Johannesburg – according to Coetzee.
Flanker Rynhardt Elstadt (groin), flyhalf Burton Francis (knee) and fullback Joe Pietersen (wrist) are not available for the Lions trip, but it was also heartening to see Nick Koster (knee) and Hilton Lobberts (broken arm) taking some part at training on Monday – albeit on the periphery.
Koster, like flyhalf Gary van Aswegen (who is due to turn out for the Maties again this week – after his return from knee troubles), is expected to see some club action for UCT in the coming weeks.
However, one man who will not see action in 2012 is veteran Springbok flanker Schalk Burger – Coetzee repeating what he told the media a few weeks ago.
The DHL WP boss explained: “Schalk had an operation last week to make sure his knee is clean before he takes a proper break from rehab and training over the next while.
“Two (knee) specialists are looking after him and he will take a complete break from any activity – rehab or training – over the next two months.
“Bone bruising is not an easy thing and we’re hoping that this break will help him in his bid to be ready for (the 2013) pre-season training.”