AUDIO: WP coach claims 'victory' in Ellis Park débâcle
Western Province coach Labeeb Levy found positives in another loss, despite their winless Currie Cup campaign.
He lamented his side’s inability at times to turn territorial pressure into points following their 19-40 loss to the Lions at Ellis Park.
The performance in some respects was an improvement from their home loss to the Bulls a week ago in Cape Town, but the visitors still left Johannesburg empty-handed.
One of the standout statistics of the match was Western Province’s conversion rate when they were in the Lions’ red zone.
Western Province entered the Lions’ 22-metre area nine times and scored a mere 2.1 points per visit compared to the Lions’ 3.3 points in their 12 trips inside Western Province’s red zone.
Levy, however, sees the silver lining to a dark cloud, stating that his side’s ability to get into the opposition’s red zone is a “victory” and that they should work on converting their scoring opportunities into points.
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“I wouldn’t say it’s frustrating [the low conversion rate],” Levy told @rugby365com.
“We had an attacking line-out with a few minutes to go, and we conceded a penalty, which hurt and led us to defend our line again.
“But conversion [rate] wise, there were opportunities, although we didn’t get over the line.
“There is a lack of synergy, which we are working on and getting combinations together, and just getting more repetitions in training.
“For them to get there [in the strike zone] is a victory, so now we need to work on the next stage, which is to be a bit more clinical, which is a cliche.
“We could be a bit more clinical, but there are plans in place, and hopefully we keep improving on this performance and string an 80-minute performance together.”
