Whilst delighted with his team’s top-of-the-log Absa Currie Cup finish, DHL Western Province coach Allister Coetzee has his eyes firmly fixed on the next step – the semifinals.
DHL WP ended the league phase of the 2013 Currie Cup as the only unbeaten side in the competition, their hard-fought 17-13 win over the Sharks on Saturday securing that valuable first-place finish on the points table.
And the defending champions' eighth victory of the season – to go with two draws – means that Province will now host the MTN Golden Lions in next weekend's first semifinal (kick-off 14h30)
“I'm delighted with the result,” Coetzee told www.wprugby.com when asked about Saturday's four-point victory in Durban.
“We achieved the first objective last weekend against the Lions by getting a home semifinal. We also wanted to badly go through this competition unbeaten and that's what we've achieved and with it we also managed to end (on) top of the log,” he added.
“(But) I think it will be foolish to talk about winning the final if you haven't gone through the semifinals. The big thing for us is to now keep our feet on the ground.”
When asked about further Saturday's war of attrition in Durban – in a repeat of last year's dramatic Currie Cup Final – Coetzee said: “I think our set-piece was unbelievable.
“If you look at a young front row like Steven Kitshoff, who's been outstanding throughout the season with his accuracy. Hooker Scarra Ntubeni might be diminutive but he's unbelievably accurate emotionally and is so mature. (Tighthead prop) Pat Cilliers was outstanding and those that came on to replace them too.
“I thought the whole bench made an impact. We were lucky to bring on experience in the form of Schalk Burger and Jean de Villiers, but players like Brok Harris, Frans Malherbe and Nic Groom all contributed too.
“There was a massive effort from everyone out there,” added Coetzee, “our defence, led by Duane Vermeulen, was excellent and I thought we adapted well to the conditions – especially with our tactical kicking.”
This coming weekend will see Absa Currie Cup play-off action return to DHL Newlands for the first since 2010 (when DHL WP beat the FS Cheetahs in a semifinal).
Of course, there is the prospect of a home final to play for, but Coetzee remained careful about looking too far ahead at this stage of the season.
“Yes, we're in a great position heading into the semifinals, but the simple fact is that we need to win this weekend – there's a lot at stake. It's mission accomplished thus far – in terms of the league phase of the tournament – but the most important match is ahead of this weekend – against the Lions.
“But it's great to have Absa Currie Cup play-off rugby back in Cape Town… it should be a great day out on Saturday and we're looking forward to playing at a packed DHL Newlands in front of our great supporters this coming weekend.”
Coetzee, meanwhile, reported no fresh injuries in his squad, “just the usual bumps and bruises from such a physical encounter”.
It is hoped that Springbok centre Juan de Jongh – a late withdrawal before Saturday's clash in Durban – will be fit to take his place in the starting line-up against the Lions. (See the 2013 semifinal information, HERE.)
“Juan was about 10% off from being 100% ready to play against the Sharks. He ran well… but we didn't want to risk him and we're hoping he will be ready for the semifinal.”
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