Province have plenty of work to do

Western Province may have bagged four points against the Griquas in Kimberley, but coach Allister Coetzee was not happy with his side's performance.

The defending Currie Cup champions maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a tight 20-19 victory on Saturday, but Coetzee was far from impressed.

"We let ourselves down today. Our ball retention was very poor and we struggled to get of the mark," Coetzee said after the game.

"We also didn't do too well in the line-outs and scrums – two set-pieces which we used effectively against the Cheetahs last weekend."

Province beat the Griquas 20-19, after leading 10-3 at half time, and moved to the top of the Currie Cup log. Their next game is against the Lions, who ran rampant against the Blue Bulls over the weekend.

"We need to go back to the drawing board. The Lions game is going to be a difficult one. No doubt about that," Coetzee said.

Most of the matches in the competition, so far, have been closely contested and Coetzee felt the situation would not change over the coming weeks.

"The Currie Cup is a sprint. We have to make sure we get the points when they are up for grabs.

"All the other games are also going to be close encounters. As long as we keep winning and keep building on that momentum, we should be fine.

"It's a really big plus if you win away from home. We let ourselves down by drawing with the Blue Bulls, but coming to Griquas and picking up four points will keep us going."

While the Springbok players were absent, Coetzee said it was an opportunity to grow the youngsters in the side.

"They have to understand it is a sink-or-swim situation and they have to get it right quickly.

"I'm just pleased that while we are blooding youngsters, we keep on winning.

"You don't want them to gain experience while you are losing games. It is a hell of a negative thing for them and for the mindset of the team."

SAPA