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Coetzee praises DHL WP character

PUBLISHED: October 20, 2012


DHL Western Province coach Allister Coetzee praised his team’s character in the aftermath of their astounding Absa Currie Cup semifinal win over the MTN Golden Lions on Saturday night.

The Men from Cape Town scored a try on full-time, through captain Deon Fourie, to set up a final against the Sharks in Durban next weekend – the final score reading 21-16 in favour of DHL WP.

Said Coetzee: “I won’t get carried away but I have to praise the character of the team. The guys showed plenty of guts against a very good Lions team.

“This match could’ve gone either way, when it came to some decision-making by both sides, but there was a refusal to lie down and be defeated and that in itself was pleasing.

“All the replacements made a difference on the night, the whole squad made a contribution,” added the WP boss, “but I cannot praise the players’ character enough.”

Amazingly, it was Coetzee’s first-ever win in WP colours in Johannesburg, the coach having tasted defeat on five previous occasions.

“As DHL WP coach, it was my first win here. But, across the board, it’s been a great day for WP rugby with all three our teams in finals next weekend.

“There’s a lot of passion in Western Province. I’d say we’re the best supported side and all arrows within are pointing in the same direction – from the Institute, right up to me as the Senior Professional Coach.

“I take my hat off to all the coaches, right up to the executive – everyone – it’s fantastic to have three sides in the finals and we all need to contribute in a positive way to make Western Province a force across the board… for a long time!”

As an added bonus, Coetzee reported no serious injury worries in the DHL WP team ahead of their trip to Durban.