More answers than questions for WP

 

Province, already assured a home semifinal even before the match against the Sharks kicked off, fielded a new-look team with 14 changes.

 

It was the Sharks who came out firing against the new-look Western Province team when Sibusiso Sithole managed to score in the corner after only two minutes.

 

However, Province soon regathered scoring two tries through Pat Howard and Kurt Coleman in the first half, taking the lead the break.

 

This spelt the end of WP's scoring run as the Sharks struck back to register the only points in the second half.

 

When coach Allister Coetzee was quizzed after the defeat he was still upbeat and confident as he felt it was mission accomplished.

 

"I think I have more answers than questions," Coetzee said.

 

"There are players really pushing for selection for next week [the semifinal against the Bulls at Newlands]

 

"That was the whole purpose of the exercise – to make sure that their is no complacency and there are really guys that have earned the right to start."

 

When it comes down to it, Western Province still lost the game – and it was in front of their faithful fans at Newlands, Cape Town.

 

"We never enjoy losing at Newlands but all credit to Brok [Harris – captain on the night] and the team for a massive, massive effort," he added.

 

"We played with intensity. What more can you ask for from a team, especially a team with so many new players in the squad?"

 

With the semifinals decided after a weekend of action, coach Coetzee can now shift all of his attention to the semifinal against the Bulls – finalising his plan that began with resting his first-string players this week.

 

"This [game against the Sharks] is part of building our momentum into the semifinals, building capacity in our squad," Coetzee continued.

 

"Knowing that we can rest 14 players and we can still come up with a performance like that is incredible.

 

"We know we have the right players here and we have the depth going forward, and in my opinion it is purpose served and if I had the chance to play it over again – I would have done the same thing."

 

Coetzee, making mention of how impressed he was with his fringe players, was still hard-pressed to single out who may have a chance for the semifinal team, but he was forthcoming about a couple forwards.

 

"[Gerbrandt]Grobler looked good in his first match [after a long injury lay-off] and [Oliver] Kebble dominated the collisions at times," said Coetzee.

 

"Elstadt was unlucky to be yellow-carded for a team offence and Notshe showed that he can be effective as a No.8 as well as an open-side flank."