Dobson: We are under real pressure
REACTION: With the 2019 Currie Cup season reduced to a single round of six matches, Western Province is in danger of missing the play-offs.
Province is currently fourth on the log with seven points, after their narrow 28-30 defeat the Golden Lions at Newlands on Saturday.
The Cape Town-based side should have dominated proceedings, especially with experienced campaigners like Dillyn Leyds, Chris van Zyl, Josh Stander, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, and Siyabonga Ntubeni in starting line-up.
However, after a commanding start which saw them took a 21-10 lead at the break, the side’s lack of discipline and decision making in the second stanza eventually proved costly.
WP head coach John Dobson admitted that Saturday’s result puts them ‘under real pressure’ after the away defeat to the Sharks last weekend.
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“We have dropped two games. So we’re under real pressure, this was a match we had to win and until the 75th minute, I thought we were going to.” Dobson said.
“Think from 21-7 to lose a game like that its very disappointing. We had a tough time with some interpretations at the breakdowns and offsides. I think we were the only team who were ever offsides in the whole game‚ which is a grave concern.
“The Lions certainly showed a lot of fight and character for a young side. They should be very proud of themselves,”
The reality for Dobson and his team is that now they will have to win all their remaining matches to stay in the running for a playoff spot.
The side has a bye this week before they face Pumas at Newlands, followed by away matches to Griquas and Cheetahs.
The Cheetahs are at the top of the standings, followed by Griquas.
“We going to have to win every game now, and that includes going to Bloemfontein to play the Cheetahs,”
“We certainly have the team and will have guys coming back. I think if we want a home semi, we going to have to win in Bloemfontein,” he added.
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