Four members of the DHL Western Province starting XV have given their views ahead of Saturday’s Absa Currie Cup Final against the Xerox Golden Lions at DHL Newlands (kick-off 17h00).
Not only will DHL WP be involved in an Absa Currie Cup Final for the third year in succession, but both curtain-raisers at DHL Newlands will involve Province teams with the DHL WP Under-19s and Under-21s playing host to the Bulls junior teams in their respective finals.
The Absa Provincial Under-19 Final will get underway at DHL Newlands on Saturday at 12h15, with the U21 Final kicking-off at 14h00.
READ BELOW WHAT SOME OF OUR STARS HAVE TO SAY:
MANUEL CARIZZA (LOCK)
Ten DHL WP caps
“I’m expecting it to be one of my biggest experiences in rugby. I’ve played some Top 14 and Heineken Cup play-offs (in France) before, but I am expecting Saturday to be an even bigger experience as the Absa Currie Cup is an historic tournament with so much heritage.
“I am very thankful to Western Province for looking after me and backing me up this year. It was hard picking up an injury during Super Rugby, just after I joined the DHL Stormers, but I have had an amazing time here with the DHL Western Province team during the Currie Cup season. Us players enjoy spending time with each other and that makes things even more special for the team.”
MICHAEL RHODES (FLANK)
21 DHL WP caps
“As a team we’re fortunate to be here, after plenty of hard work in the lead-up, but it would be great if we could finish things off on a high this time.
“I think we’re more settled this year and there’s more consistency in selection. Finals rugby is a tight affair, one or two decisions could affect the outcome of the game, but we’re ready for the Lions, who, themselves will be on a major high coming into the final.
“DHL Newlands is a big place to play in a big game like this. The stadium holds a special place in South African rugby culture. I’ve no doubt the Lions will be up for this match, but so will we at our home ground.”
NIC GROOM (SCRUMHALF)
57 DHL WP caps
“We’ve made a big deal this year about the type of team that we want to be – both on and off the field. Our team dynamic and vibe is very dear to us all and it’s something we have focused on all season long.
“I wouldn’t say we’ve changed too much from last year, but we’ve emphasized things that we believe are important and have worked for us in the past.
“We’re so lucky to play here – we get crazy numbers and passionate fans at DHL Newlands. Having spent most of my life living in Cape Town, rugby and Newlands has been part of my life for a long time. Being able to run out in a home final, for DHL Western Province, will motivate me like crazy and I will be in a good space to give it all I’ve got.”
SEABELO SENATLA (WING)
Five DHL WP caps (three tries)
“It’s always been a goal of mine to play in an Absa Currie Cup Final. I’m blessed to be involved in the final and also lucky to be part of a team like this… Since I’ve arrived at DHL Western Province, the guys have welcomed me with open arms and I’ve just loved every minute of my stay in Cape Town. I’m so glad I decided to join a team with such a good culture.
“An Absa Currie Cup Final is very different to a Sevens Final as it’s the culmination of a season’s worth of work and planning. It’s different in many ways, but the experience of playing in a few Sevens finals – like at the Commonwealth Games – has allowed me to experience pressure at the highest level.
“Growing up I’d always supported Bryan Habana, which is one of the reasons why I came here. Now, however, I understand even more what a great union like DHL Western Province is all about – what the Disa and this team stands for – and it’s even more special than I thought it would be.
“Bryan Habana has achieved plenty as a player, here at WP and internationally, and I’ve already leaned on him to extract as much information as possible (from him).”
