WP to bring back the 'swagger'
SPOTLIGHT: No team have won more Currie Cup trophies than Western Province.
However, in recent years the once-formidable WP went into decline.
For the last two seasons, they started really slow and build enough momentum to secure semifinals spots.
However, on both occasions, the Cape Town side fell short to Sharks (9-19) and Bulls (31-48) respectively.
And it does not get any easier this season.
With the Currie Cup and United Rugby Championship running concurrently, WP will have to rely on their crop of youngsters to emulate the class of 2017, who were crowned Champs.
* Also read: WP’s coaching Team
DHL WP tested themselves in a contact session with the DHL @THESTORMERS in Hermanus today ahead of the start of the Carling Currie Cup next week. #wpjoulekkerding #dhldelivers pic.twitter.com/Nv0fNFgsbw
— WP RUGBY (@WP_RUGBY) January 7, 2022
Speaking to reporters, Western Province assistant coach Nazeem Adams admitted that winning the title remains the most important objective.
However, he stressed that player development and re-establishing WP as the traditional attacking force are also very high on the agenda.
“Everybody wants to win the title,” Adams said.
“Province has a fantastic record in the Currie Cup and we are proud union. Winning will be on top of our list.
“But we are also looking at developing players, especially with the Currie Cup and URC running at the same time – we want to give some game time to the senior players.”
When asked if WP would adopt Stormers’ game plan, Adams said: “It won’t be 100 percent the same.
“There are certain frameworks we need to work in. However, the coaches have the freedom to try things.
“We have to keep in mind the Currie Cup is a different competition and the team needs to try out different stuff.
“I think we need to find the balance between the expansive and conservative kicking style of play.
“But, obviously, we want to go back to the traditional Province rugby.”
Talking from a player’s perspective, Western Province flyhalf Tim Swiel said: “Since I have been training with the Currie Cup team it felt like the old enthusiastic style.
“The coaches are really pushing that attacking WP brand.
“The guys have been pushing, running from our own half type of rugby.
“I’m really excited about that.
“I don’t see it as playing Currie Cup or URC, but an opportunity for us to get that swagger back into the union.”
WP will face the Lions on Saturday at the Cape Town Stadium.
The host will name their team on Thursday.
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