DHL Western Province coach Allister Coetzee was a happy man as his team claimed a top-of-the-log Absa Currie Cup finish for the second season in succession.
DHL WP grabbed a dramatic 34-29 win over the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday to secure that prized first position – and with it a right to a home semifinal and final – with a game in hand.
“It’s another good win for us,” Coetzee told www.wprugby.com. “To come away with five points… to come from behind like that in the end… it showed great character.”
Province led by 24-14 at half-time at the Free State Stadium, but found themselves trailing by 27-29 with time running out.
However, with skipper Juan de Jongh – in particular – in fine form, the team in Blue & White hoops rallied strongly to seal the victory and, with it, home-ground advantage ahead of the 2014 play-offs.
“We’ve been tested throughout these past two weeks,” said Coetzee, referring to WP’s 37-23 win over the Pumas in Nelspruit the week before.
“Yes, it was not perfect, but this time is showing great signs of maturity. Closing out a game like that was not easy and it took a mature performance in the end to do so.”
Coetzee, meanwhile, had a special word of praise for captain courageous Juan de Jongh, who walked off with the official Absa Man of the Match Award – courtesy of two tries, the kick-ahead for Kobus van Wyk’s winning score and a try-saving tackle on Free State halfback Shaun Venter.
He said: “Juan has been outstanding – as a player and a captain. He leads by example.”
The only injury concern for DHL WP after the Cheetahs clash was inside centre Jaco Taute, who took a blow to the ribs. According to Coetzee, Taute was in no obvious discomfort on Sunday and he should be okay for selection this week.
DHL Western Province – with eight wins from nine matches thus far and 39 log points – will host the Sharks at DHL Newlands on Saturday, October 11 (kick-off 17h05). CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!
The result of Saturday’s clash will have no immediate bearing on DHL WP’s semifinal prospects on October 17, but Coetzee concluded: “It’s (the Sharks game) a good opportunity to expand the capacity of the our squad.
“Some players could do with a full match ahead of the semifinals, guys like (prop) Oli Kebble and (flyhalf) Kurt Coleman come to mind, but we will consider all of that in our selection meetings this week.”
***DHL Western Province Under-21 team also secures top spot with a game in hand!***