WP to bank on elder statesman

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Deon Fourie will once again be a key figure for Western Province's Currie Cup play-off hopes.

Having led Western Province to the Currie Cup title in 2012, Fourie's experience will be vital for this Saturday's Round 14 encounter against Sharks.

The same two teams contested the Final for the coveted trophy that year, with Province emerging 25-18 victors.

Years later and multiple alterations to the Currie Cup tournament, WP, one of the most successful South African sides, are in danger of not reaching the play-offs.

"We look at [this match against the Sharks] as a quarterfinal," Fourie said, adding: "So we are in our final phase and focused on the win.

"I think in 2012 where we won it, we were almost in a similar situation in regards to facing a must-win match"

He added: “The important thing is to keep the guys motivated and on their toes.

"We have to let the guys realize what is at stake and we have to be more clinical.

“I had a long career and played three finals so it is important for them to realize that you have to grab the opportunity with both hands.”

Province's chances

Province assistant coach Rito Hlungwani said he believed his side is more than capable of securing a win against the Sharks.

“Province operate well with our backs against the wall,” Hlungwani said.

“In 2017 we lost to the Pumas and the Griquas and came back and won the trophy.

“So, if I had to give any hope rest assured that we know how to fight when were are in a tough position.

“We back ourselves and we want to go to Durban and come back with a win.”

Commenting on the Sharks, Hlungwani said: “They are a very good outfit and unlike us, they don’t have a lot of injuries.

“They have good depth, good set-piece and kicking game, so guys like Curwin Bosch and Sanele Nohamba will pose a big challenge.”

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