Province have 'a point to prove'

Province threw away a 20-10 lead in the last quarter of that match at Ellis Park, which could have cost them their home semifinal if it were not for their 31-20 win over the Sharks a week a later in Durban.

"We've got a point to prove to ourselves, not so much to them [Lions]," said Van Zyl.

"We felt that we let ourselves down big time there up at Ellis Park, especially if you compare it to how we played here against them at Newlands [a 39-3 win for Province]. 

"It was two different games, so I think if anything we got a point to prove to ourselves."

He added: "There is plenty that we have learned from that [loss to the Lions]. 

"There was so much that wasn't about what we were about. 

"We are all very aware of it. In fact, I don't even think the coaches had to say much after that game because I think all the players took responsibility for it and that is what we showed up in Durban. We don't want to stand for that anymore." 

Province was impressive in their win against the Sharks in the final round and Van Zyl said it was the morale-booster they needed before the play-offs.

"I think the overwhelming feeling was basically that the build-up to the Sharks we were well under our potential. 

"We had yet to play a brand or a full game that we were proud of. 

"I would say it came at a good time, but we are also wary of the fact that the Sharks didn't have too much to play for. So, we are taking momentum, but we are obviously very focussed and very aware of the challenges that await us this weekend," he added.

By Warren Fortune

@rugby365com