WP out to save face after dismal run

SPOTLIGHT: Western Province will be hoping they can give their fans something to cheer about in their last few round-robin games in the Currie Cup.

The Capetonians have had a dismal campaign so far and they are currently second-last in the Currie Cup standings with four matches left.

After winning their opening game against the Lions, WP then lost their next seven matches in a row, which is a sad stat for the union.

Despite that record, WP loose forward Marcel Theunissen believes there is still a chance they can make the play-offs.

However, a more realistic goal would be trying to restore some pride, which starts with a tough match against the Pumas in Nelspruit on Friday.

"We still think there is a chance for us to get into the semifinals if we win all our games," said Theunissen.

"Other than that, I think we must play for a little bit of pride, for the jersey and this union, and that motivates us.

"We haven’t had the best season so far, but we can change it from here and that motivates us."

WP assistant coach Kabamba Floors believes there is still something to salvage from their dismal campaign.

When asked about his team's losing streak, he replied: "You don't want to be in that position as a coach or a player, but the way that we grew in the last few games as a team is a positive.

"Going forward we just need to get the wins on the board then you can turn a seven-game losing streak into a good season."

Floors will know how tough Friday's game will be for his team after they suffered an 11-37 defeat to the same opponents in Cape Town earlier this year.

The Pumas are also pushing for a play-off spot after they beat the Sharks 20-10 in Durban last weekend.

"The Pumas are a good team. They are in a good position at the moment," said the coach.

"They have quite a big physical pack and that is where they really challenged us."

Meanwhile, WP could call on a few United Rugby Championship stars to help their cause in Nelspruit.

"At the moment there are a few guys training. We don't know who is available yet, but we will see when it is selection time," Floors added.

"Once we know who can play and the team is announced, then we can put that out to the media."

@rugby365com