Following a productive camp in Hermanus, DHL Western Province are up for the challenge that the Vodacom Blue Bulls will pose in their Currie Cup Qualifier at DHL Newlands on Friday.

Following a productive camp in Hermanus, DHL Western Province are up for the challenge that the Vodacom Blue Bulls will pose in their Currie Cup Qualifier at DHL Newlands on Friday.

Coach John Dobson’s team put in plenty of hard work in preparation for what will be a demanding season ahead.

Dobson said that the time spent in Hermanus was incredibly valuable as it allowed the squad to focus on the upcoming campaign which starts with the clash against the Vodacom Blue Bulls at 16h15 on Friday – a curtain-raiser to the Vodacom Super Rugby clash between the DHL Stormers and the Sunwolves.

“We had a great camp in Hermanus last week. It was much needed as we had not really been able to do much work as a team. Some guys have been involved in Varsity Cup, some were part of the initial DHL Stormers squad, so it was great to get a squad and start the real technical and team building work,” said Dobson.

The DHL Western Province coach is excited to see what the players at his disposal are capable of, although he acknowledged that the new format will pose some significant challenges.

“It is a solid squad with some really exciting backs. Our pack need game-time as a lot of the guys have not played much but there are some established familiar faces with the likes of Mike Willemse, Alistair Vermaak, Chris van Zyl and Jurie van Vuuren. It has also been great to have some of the club players identified by Jerome Paarwater such as the promising Dale Wilson of Tygerberg.

“It is an interesting competition format this year, but the Currie Cup qualifiers are a great chance to look at our depth and develop some new technical plans,” he said.

Dobson admitted that facing the Vodacom Blue Bulls first-up will be a serious test, but it is one that his side will embrace fully.

“It is a big ask to play a team such as the Vodacom Blue Bulls first up, playing the Vodacom Blue Bulls at Newlands is a privilege and a responsibility – and a big occasion for the players. We have a lot to do this week but we will turn up on Friday night,” he added.