Assistant coach Dawie Snyman said a tough match for a youthful DHL Western Province outfit against the Cheetahs on Saturday was a true test and an opportunity for growth.
Defending champions, the Cheetahs fought back from a 13-point deficit to claim a bonus-point 26-19 victory over WP in the Currie Cup in rainy Cape Town.
A brave effort from an injury-hit Province side – the Capetonians lost scrumhalves Imad Khan and Asad Moos before kick-off – saw the hosts streak into a healthy lead, and take a 16-12 advantage into the break at Cape Town Stadium.
Next up for WP will be a round 7 clash with the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Speaking post-match, Snyman emphasised the importance of putting together an 80-minute performance while highlighting lessons learnt by the team.
“Against the Vodacom Bulls [two weeks ago], we started really well and then lost momentum, and then they kicked on. And the same thing happened [against the Cheetahs],” he told reporters.
“It’s probably a case of experience, with a number of players not used to being in these scenarios and playing against good teams. But it’s what we want to achieve with this competition, getting experience for those players and there’s been a growth among them.
“We need to put that 80-minute performance together, and we have the right plan to put teams under pressure, like we saw in the first half against the Cheetahs. It’s now about putting that second half together and getting over the line.”
HIGHLIGHTS: Bulls continue charge
“You can practise as much as you want but it’s in matches where you’re really tested,” Snyman added. “The last 30 minutes of matches is where we’ve fallen off the pace, and experience on the field and playing with a lot of youngsters is an issue there.
“It’s those pressure moments that win matches. We’ll start playing more of our senior players into the team in the last few matches of the Currie Cup, and that will help address that.
“But at the end of the day we’re building depth, and not just for this season but for a few more years.”
Synonymous with DHL Stormers and WP colours from 2008 to 2013, and again from 2016 to 2018, veteran halfback Dewaldt Duvenage answered Snyman’s SOS in the absence of Khan and Moos.
“Dewaldt’s been practising with us for the past few weeks just to stay fit, and then we had two injuries at scrumhalf so we turned to him,” he explained.
“I coached him during the Currie Cup in 2017, so we have a good understanding. He’s a very clever player and understands the game, and is a senior player too.”
Skipper Willie Engelbrecht and outside back Justin Geduld, though, joined the list of questionables who will be available to travel to Ellis Park next week.
“Willie had a back spasm so he looked to be struggling a bit,” Snyman said. “Justin got a shot to his cheekbone so he’ll go for scans and we’ll see what the results are from that.
“Immy’s injury doesn’t look too bad, it seems to just be a hamstring but we didn’t want to take any chances.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post WP gaining valuable experience appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
