Whole new ballgame for Province
Although happy with his team's win against the Blue Bulls, Western Province coach Allister Coetzee knows the Golden Lions will pose a completely different challenge.
The Cape side scored all three of their tries in the first half and then hung on to to secure a semifinal victory over the Bulls on Saturday which sets up a second consecutive Currie Cup Final at Newlands next week.
Coetzee picked a big pack with the physically imposing Rynhardt Elstadt at openside flank in an attempt to counter the Bulls' mauling strength, and his side made good use of their opportunities through a number of telling counter-attacks.
The Province coach said that although the improved Bulls side had managed to put them under pressure at times, his side kept their heads to reach their third consecutive final.
"It was always going to be a physical battle and we had to front up not only with defending their mauls but also a solid maul performance.
"At the breakdown every collision and contact point was going to count and it did.
"The Bulls have improved a hell of a lot. It was a massive set-piece battle. They got front ball only from the line-out, we were closing their middle and back ball.
"I think the side has matured a hell of a lot, making good decisions, we never panicked when it was penalty after penalty. They kept their composure and a lot of credit must go to the captain and his leadership group," he said.
However, Coetzee knows that the Lions will pose an altogether different threat next week as a side capable of varying their mode of attack.
"They are a very good side and they will ask completely different questions from what we faced today.
"They have got a great set-piece, a strong scrum and they are a good mauling side. They can play direct and they can play with width.
"We were strong defensively, but next week I know it will be a different test. It will be wide, close and over the top," he commented.
Coetzee said that the two teams play similar brands of rugby with strong set-pieces and an ability to attack from broken play which should make for a fitting final.
"I think Saturday will be two similar mindsets, the Lions have a go when it comes to turnover possession so that is going to be interesting to see how it will pan out.
"Time is so short to change a lot of things, but you have got to bring in something new. Just to change the way they defend and open other areas of the field.
"Our mindset is never to go away from the way we have played, but it is to wait for the right moment. One thing about our team is that we can go to 20 points very quickly which says a lot about our attack," he said.
The only injury concerns surround No.8 Nizaam Carr who took a knock to the hip and Jaco Taute who is still recovering from a rib injury, and Coetzee said that more information on their progress would be known after they take fitness tests.
"It is a hip pointer, Nizaam will have to go for a few scans to see if there is anything torn. I am hoping everything is OK for him to be part of the final.
"He has played throughout the season so we are all holding thumbs for Nizaam to be available for the final. Notshe has grabbed the chance with both hands and I am really happy for him," he said.
By Michael de Vries
