'Tunnel vision' - Talks of a treble at WP
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: He may be too old for ‘Gangnam Style’, however, Juan de Jongh’s passion for the Currie Cup is still very much alive and well at the age of 34.
It was in 2012 when the Western Province centre celebrated a try in the Currie Cup Final with a Gangnam-Style dance move.
De Jongh was the only try-scorer during that 25-18 win over the Sharks at Kings Park, which saw Province end their 11-year trophy drought.
“No ‘Gangnam Style’ this weekend, getting too old now and back is getting too tight,” the 34-year-old told reporters jokingly.
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De Jongh said it is important for the team to remain focused as they try to keep their unbeaten 2023 season intact when they face the Sharks at Kings Park.
“There are a lot of special memories in the Shark tank in Durban,” De Jongh said.
“But that is part of history, we have to focus on this weekend and it is important to have tunnel vision when you enter the field.
“Our focus is to win this weekend and to build momentum to stay in contention for the play-offs.
“It’s been a while since we had a Currie Cup final in Cape Town and it has been a while since we lifted the trophy, so it’s important to be successful and try to win a [treble] United Rugby Championship, Champions Cup and Currie Cup.”
He added: “A lot of people said the Currie Cup belongs in a museum, but for me, it is still a big occasion.
“It’s one of the oldest tournaments in the world with a rich legacy and tradition.”
The hunted
De Jongh admitted the Cape side has a big target on them after their successive wins over the Lions and Bulls in this season’s opening rounds.
“The Sharks are always a tough team, especially at home,” De Jongh said.
“Last weekend they suffered a defeat [to the Griquas] which makes them extra dangerous because they are out to bounce back.
“We have a big target on our backs.
“We won two matches away from home and we know what they can bring to the table.
“They will be missing a couple of players due to the URC, but we have to focus on ourselves and hopefully everything is in place and we look forward to it.”
WP will announce their team to face the Sharks on Friday.
