CT will 'transform' WP into super men
The Sharks should not be surprised if Western Province players all grow an extra set of legs and arms this week.
Home ground advantage is an even bigger factor in Finals and this will be more so when WP host the Sharks in the Currie Cup Final at Newlands on Saturday.
Province assistant coach Robbie Fleck said the people of Cape Town will this week "transform" the local players as the build-up towards Saturday's grand finale intensifies.
"The fact that it [the Final] is here in Cape Tow is massive, for the team obviously and the people of Cape Town," said Fleck, who was still playing the last time Newlands hosted a Currie Cup Final back in 2001.
Province upstaged the odds to beat the Sharks in the Final at Kings Park last year, but Fleck feels Cape Town's people will elevate the players to another level.
"We will notice how Cape Town changes," the WP backline coach told a media briefing, adding: "The players are going to experience something really unique.
"Look at guys like Schalk Burger and Jean de Villiers, [those are] guys who have never played in a Currie Cup Final.
"Now they will, hopefully, play in their first Final at home."
Fleck, who played in the 2001 WP team that beat Natal 29-24 at Newlands, described a Final in Cape Town as an "amazing" experience.
"This city becomes something else," the Province assistant mentor said.
Fleck said there would be no problems getting the players mentally up for the game.
"To focus is a lot easier," he said, adding: "It is a one-off game – you know that you have to get the details right.
"You have to get the players fresh, as well as emotionally and mentally ready for it.
"The city will help them in that regard.
"Just driving through the streets, your neighbours will come out the woodwork and they are going to start supporting big time.
"It really is a special time for us."
