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Cape Town - Western Province coach Allister Coetzee said the way his side set about defeating Sharks at Newlands on Saturday was what was needed ahead of the Currie Cup play-offs.
In Province's 33-14 victory, both sides scored three tries but it was the manner in which the Cape side were able to dominate for sustained periods of play that was roundly applauded by the crowd of just over 45 000 spectators.
"This was a very pleasing result, especially with the semi-final play-offs next weekend," said Coetzee. "I'm also pleased we showed a big improvement and we were up on our physical intensity.
"The defence showed up nicely and they made some big hits. This team is a team with character but the job (of winning the Currie Cup) is not done yet.
"We left a few (scoring) opportunities out there today(Saturday) and the other pleasing aspect was that we scrummed well as against a highly-rated tight five." Sharks coach John Plumtree played tribute to Province after the match. "I thought Province played very well today(Saturday)," said Plumtree. "They dominated through their loose forwards and they put up a good all round display. Province were playing for a (home) semi-final so they had lots to play for.
"We couldn't get going, neither could we get momentum, and then our never got off the ground. Province clearly dominated the territory as well.
"Even with our frontrow Boks back, they had pretty decent players upfront."
One area that the Sharks will be working on in the next few days will be the breakdown point. "Yes, we will have to look at our breakdown play because we will need to be competitive there (in the upcoming semi-final).
"Our halfbacks didn't get quality ball so there wasn't much going to be coming from them." Plumtree said he wasn't concerned about who his side will be playing in the semis because he felt all four teams were capable of winning the Currie Cup.
"It's much the same as asking if you want cabbage or brussels sprouts -it's one and the same thing. In the play-offs you only need one moment of magic, or one big moment to capture the match."
Province will host the Free State Cheetahs at 17:00 at Newlands next Saturday, while earlier in the day, the Sharks will play the Blue Bulls in Durban.
