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Stephen Nell
Cape Town – “Western Province Rugby is in a healthy state, but at the end of the day you have to win trophies to keep everyone happy. That’s what it’s about.”
That is how Springbok centre Jean de Villiers put his finger on the main concern at WP ahead of Friday night’s Currie Cup match against Griquas at Newlands.
De Villiers has enjoyed many highlights in the Green-and-Gold, but this year may be his last opportunity of drinking champagne from the Currie Cup.
The World Cup Springboks will not play in next year’s Currie Cup. And should De Villiers decide to go and play overseas from 2012 onwards, the chances are slim that he will experience Currie Cup rugby again.
“I don’t see it like that and believe I will have more opportunities,” said De Villiers.
“You have to play as if it’s your last. If you do your work and every other guy does the same, the team will be successful. That is what we’re focusing on, and the match against Griquas is the next task.”
De Villiers only has praise for Griquas, and respects the unsung centre pairing of Barry Geel and Wilmaure Louw.
“Griquas showed throughout the competition that they are one of the top sides. There are still six teams that can make the semifinals,” said De Villiers.
“It’s good for the tournament. Griquas are strong in every aspect of the game. They struggled for depth in the past, but have been able to plug the holes when there have been injuries this year.
“The video footage I saw of their centres shows they have strong runners that also defend well. It’s going to be a tough challenge.”
Province thrashed Griquas 50-3 in Kimberley without the help of De Villiers in the first round. However, that result coupled with what is at stake on Friday, should spur Griquas on.
Province coach Allister Coetzee has decided to rest Adriaan Fondse and give De Kock Steenkamp a run as No 4 lock.
“We have to manage the players. There are a couple of tough games ahead,” said Coetzee.
The WP team:
Conrad Jantjes, JJ Engelbrecht, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers, Gio Aplon, Willem de Waal, Dewaldt Duvenage, Duane Vermeulen, Francois Louw, Pieter Louw, Anton van Zyl (k), De Kock Steenkamp, Brok Harris, Deon Fourie, Wicus Blaauw. Replacements: Hanyani Shimange, JC Kritzinger, Adriaan Fondse, Nick Koster, Conrad Hoffmann, Gary van Aswegen, Paul Bosch.
Cape Town – “Western Province Rugby is in a healthy state, but at the end of the day you have to win trophies to keep everyone happy. That’s what it’s about.”
That is how Springbok centre Jean de Villiers put his finger on the main concern at WP ahead of Friday night’s Currie Cup match against Griquas at Newlands.
De Villiers has enjoyed many highlights in the Green-and-Gold, but this year may be his last opportunity of drinking champagne from the Currie Cup.
The World Cup Springboks will not play in next year’s Currie Cup. And should De Villiers decide to go and play overseas from 2012 onwards, the chances are slim that he will experience Currie Cup rugby again.
“I don’t see it like that and believe I will have more opportunities,” said De Villiers.
“You have to play as if it’s your last. If you do your work and every other guy does the same, the team will be successful. That is what we’re focusing on, and the match against Griquas is the next task.”
De Villiers only has praise for Griquas, and respects the unsung centre pairing of Barry Geel and Wilmaure Louw.
“Griquas showed throughout the competition that they are one of the top sides. There are still six teams that can make the semifinals,” said De Villiers.
“It’s good for the tournament. Griquas are strong in every aspect of the game. They struggled for depth in the past, but have been able to plug the holes when there have been injuries this year.
“The video footage I saw of their centres shows they have strong runners that also defend well. It’s going to be a tough challenge.”
Province thrashed Griquas 50-3 in Kimberley without the help of De Villiers in the first round. However, that result coupled with what is at stake on Friday, should spur Griquas on.
Province coach Allister Coetzee has decided to rest Adriaan Fondse and give De Kock Steenkamp a run as No 4 lock.
“We have to manage the players. There are a couple of tough games ahead,” said Coetzee.
The WP team:
Conrad Jantjes, JJ Engelbrecht, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers, Gio Aplon, Willem de Waal, Dewaldt Duvenage, Duane Vermeulen, Francois Louw, Pieter Louw, Anton van Zyl (k), De Kock Steenkamp, Brok Harris, Deon Fourie, Wicus Blaauw. Replacements: Hanyani Shimange, JC Kritzinger, Adriaan Fondse, Nick Koster, Conrad Hoffmann, Gary van Aswegen, Paul Bosch.
