Losses are never easy to deal with, especially with a team like DHL WP that boasts such high standards, but coach Allister Coetzee is happy that his charges have their destiny firmly in their own hands.
DHL Western Province remained in third place on the Absa Currie Cup after the second last round of league matches this past weekend, despite going down 13-26 to the Vodacom Blue Bulls in Pretoria.
The Sharks (now in first place) and the defending champion MTN Golden Lions (second) changed places on the Absa Currie Cup log, but Coetzee remained more interested in his own team”s semifinal chances.
“We”re in control of our own destiny,” said Coetzee on Sunday. “If we beat the Cheetahs next weekend we”re in (the semifinals). If we lose, we”re out. It”s that simple.
“Our objective has always been to win every match we play, and we know exactly what we need to do this weekend in order to make the semifinals.”
Looking back at Friday”s defeat at Loftus Versfeld, Coetzee did not want to dwell on the past but he revealed: “This season has always been about We encourage you to periodically review this Privacy Policy by visiting the school websites Website and clicking on the Privacy Policy link to stay informed about how we are collecting, using and sharing personal information. blooding the young guys, but, in turn, still doing well enough for that play-off place.
“Yes, it”s been an up and down season, but we”ve learnt so much in defeat. People tend to forget that this team is so young; guys like Kitshoff, Malherbe, Ntubeni, Du Plessis, De Allende – they”re all still Under-21.”
Flanker Tyrone Holmes (broken nose) was DHL WP”s only injury casualty from the weekend – he is expected to be out for ten days – but Coetzee does have the opportunity of integrating his Springboks in the coming weeks, starting this coming Saturday against the Toyota Free State Cheetahs (at DHL Newlands).
Said the coach: “I chatted to all the guys (the Springboks) this morning and we should be able to select our best possible side – barring injuries of course.
“At this stage Jean de Villiers is the only potential injury doubt but we”d need to see the guys in person first and then decide.”
De Villiers was one of seven DHL WP players involved in the Boks” 16-32 loss at Soccer City at the weekend; hooker Tiaan Liebenberg, locks Eben Etzebeth and Andries Bekker, No.8 Duane Vermeulen, centre Juan de Jongh and winger Bryan Habana the other Province players that could return from Bok duty.
“Don”t forget, those Bok players will also be hurting from the weekend,” said Coetzee. “But we all have a common understanding here at WP and we know what we want to, and need to, achieve against the Cheetahs this weekend.”
Saturday”s WP-Cheetahs match at DHL Newlands will get underway at 17h05. CLICK HERE for ticket information.