Defending champions DHL Western Province secured their place in the SuperSport Rugby Challenge play-offs when they fought back to pick up a draw with local rivals Boland in Worcester on Saturday.
Having trailed 24-7 at half-time, DHL Western Province harnessed the windy conditions at Esselen Park to score all of the points in the second half and retain teir unbeaten status in the competition.
Head Coach John Dobson’s charges showed plenty of character to fight back under pressure and ensure they cannot be caught in the South Section.
Dobson’s team have a bye this week, with their last league fixture against SWD Eagles at Villager RFC on Friday, June 22.
Whatever happens in that match, DHL Western Province will top the South Section and contest a quarterfinal the following week.
Dobson was left frustrated with his team’s performance and wants them to lift their standards after their bye this week.
“It was a disappointing performance from us, the wind was extreme, but we made life difficult for ourselves as well.
“We would have liked to use the wind better than we did at the start of the second half, but the determination we showed under pressure at the end was refreshing,” he said.
Dobson expects his team to improve in a number of areas going forward in order to keep their unbeaten run going.
“We will have to be a lot better than we were on Saturday in all aspects to reach the sharp end of this competition,” he said.