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Coetzee making no excuses

Allister Coetzee tried his best to focus on the positive side of things after Western Province bravely lost out to their arch nemesis, the Blue Bulls.

Province trailed 20-3 at halftime and returned to the field a different side, getting to within one converted try at 20-15 before eventually losing 28-20.

“We fought back. If you are 15 points behind at Loftus, then you have no chance of winning. I am very proud of my players after they fought back the way that they did so that they had a chance (to win the match) at the end,” Coetzee told Monday’s Die Burger.

“That is why it is clear that they need to visit Loftus a few more times to play against the Bulls to find out what exactly it requires.

Coetzee did not want to make any mistakes for his young side's loss, but hinted once more at the frustration he has been facing throughout the Currie Cup season.

“Although I do not want to use young or old players as an excuse, the problem is that they are still learning.

“If I become despondent then I think to how despondent our Under-21 coach must be feeling, because I keep having to take players from his team.

“First we lost Wicus and now Kitshoff looks like he will be out for four or five weeks. And Nic Groom.

“I will probably have to look to our club system again (for replacements).”

Coetzee admitted that he will have to call on JD Moller to fill the void left by Kitshoff and Blaauw as he is ‘the only guy in the mix’.

According to Monday’s Cape Times, Groom will be replaced by WP’s Under-21 scrumhalf Louis Schreuder, while Shuaid ‘Bom’ Samaai will gain a Currie Cup debut after wing, Danie Poolman looks unlikely to feature against the Cheetahs at Newlands on Saturday after picking up first a blow to the head and then his thigh.

“JD Moller is the only guy in the mix! Under-21 props Tom Botha and Brummer Badenhorst both got injuries on Saturday. We need to see who can play.”
 
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