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‘Desperate’ DHL WP secure home semi

PUBLISHED: October 15, 2017


DHL Western Province Head Coach John Dobson said that his team’s desperation to secure a home semifinal was the key to their 31-20 victory against the Cell C Sharks in Durban.

Dobson’s charges fought back valiantly in the second half in Durban, to hand the tabletopping Cell C Sharks just their second defeat of the season.

The bonus-point win saw DHL Western Province clinch second place on the standings, to set up a semifinal against the Xerox Golden Lions at DHL Newlands on Saturday.

Dobson said that while it had been tough going against a highly physical Cell C Sharks team in the first half, his team were desperate to get the result and ensure home advantage in the semifinal.

“We were just more desperate I think, because we had to get a home semifinal. I was very pleased with the way we withstood the onslaught from what I think is the best team in the competition.

“It was very important for us to get a home semifinal, we are probably one of the better teams in the competition talent-wise, so not to be at home in the semis would have been an under-performance which is why we were so desperate,” he said.

Dobson said his team were forced to work hard by a well-drilled Cell C Sharks outfit which deservedly top the standings heading into the play-offs.

“I was impressed with the Sharks’ intensity from the start, I thought for a dead rubber the first 20 minutes we were in a lot of trouble because of the sheer physicality and momentum they were getting.

“In the second half we started running at them a bit more and we saw the yards as they got more tired,” he said.

One of the most encouraging aspects of the performance for Dobson was the way his team reacted to the physical pressure the hosts placed them under.

“I didn’t see either side play with much fluidity on attack, I didn’t see the Sharks get into shape and I don’t think we got into ours, it was always going to be a very physical fight and I was very pleased with the way we stayed in it,” Dobson added.