AUDIO: Pumas too 'predictable' for Province
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Western Province are very well prepared for the Pumas’ predictable game plan says coach John Dobson.
The defending champions will travel to Nelspruit fresh from a 32-0 win over the Free State Cheetahs at Newlands.
The win does place them in a favourable position, however last year’s 12-22 defeat to the Pumas is evident of the massive challenge the hosts pose.
“They [Pumas] play a more traditional South African game, so we know what’s coming,” Dobson told reporters at Newlands.
“We know its a big pack of forwards, a good maul, a massive kicking game from Pumas scrumhalf Stefan Ungerer and they get real energy when they get into the positions’ 22,”
“I have to admit since the arrival of the new coach [Jimmy Stonehouse] there have been some changes to their set up but it’s very much plan A no plan B rugby and we are prepared,”
In terms of his own team set-up, the coach has made a number of changes to the starting XV, Springboks Wilco Louw and Damian de Allende will replace Michael Kumbirai and Dan Kriel respectively. While captain Dillyn Leyds moved to fullback and Sergeal Petersen starting at right wing.
“It’s nice to have him [De Allende] back. The Springboks obviously want him to get some game time, he hasn’t played since towards the end of Super Rugby,” Dobson said.
“He has been training incredibly hard with Springboks, and now it is just time to see him on the field, and his presence in the team is incredibly great for the players.
“[While] I thought Wilco was very good when he came on last week against Argentina, so for us to have him back is a treat,”
“He too needs a bit of game time, and what’s nice about these guys is that they’re so keen to play for us,”
The former Western Province hooker also revealed that the Currie Cup’s single-round format has placed a lot of pressure on his team, but he is fully confident they have the prowess to book a home final.
“I’ve always been a vocal opponent of this format, there is no doubt it has increased the intensity and pressure, so there is a case for that” Dobson said.
“But we were under pressure even before the match against the Free State Cheetahs.
“In the end, we basically have to win every game to get a home final which I think this team of capable of”
“Thus far the standout teams have been the Blue Bulls and Sharks, while the Golden Lions are doing well,”
By LeezilHendricks
@leezil07
@rugby365com
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