Currie Cup hopes rest on 'Province man'

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Western Province’s Currie Cup play-off hopes are slowly fading.

WP are currently second from the bottom on the Currie Cup log with just eight points from seven games.

They recorded one victory this season and face another tough challenge in Round Nine in the form of unbeaten Cheetahs.

WP host the Bloemfontein side at Cape Town Stadium on Friday and will need to be on top of their game should they still want to have a fighting chance at claiming a play-off spot.

The last time the two sides met, the Cheetahs secured a 24-17 win.

One major boost for the WP is the return of experienced centre Juan De Jongh.

The 33-year-old, who captained the winning WP Currie Cup team in 2014, returned from injury last week against the Bulls.

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“The Cheetahs are not in the top two for nothing and it’s a massive opportunity for us,” De Jongh told reporters during the media briefing.

“However, our focus is about getting our processes right.

“I’ve been out for a couple of months, and it’s awesome being back and playing with a talented group of youngsters.

“I’ve been around and learned a lot of things, and I’ve played internationally with plenty of household names.

“I want to bring that information and experience back to the youngsters, not to just be successful now, but see that it becomes a part of that culture,

“I think for me it’s really important to keep sharing and help Province remain one of the top franchises in the country – I don’t want to take all that knowledge to the grave.”

Commenting on De Jongh’s impact, WP backline coach Nazeen Adams was full of praise.

“It is fantastic having De Jongh back. He was out for a long time and he came back for his first game and did not want to come off [against the Bulls].

“Besides his experience, De Jongh understands the game and he is through and through a Province man.

“These are the type of players we need at the franchise.”

With the United Rugby Championship on a break, WP do have an opportunity to boost their side with one or two Stormers players.

However, Adams revealed the Currie Cup side will not be employing any Stormers players and will instead opt for continuity.

“We are quite happy with the continuity that we have in our squad,” Adams said.

“We are definitely not going to use the URC players, we are not sure who is available, if any, but at this moment we are happy with the team.”

WP will name their team to face the Cheetahs on Thursday.

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