WP victory not polished

Cape Town - Both Allister Coetzee and Anton van Zyl, the Western Province coach and captain respectively, described their side's 59-17 victory over the Leopards at Newlands on Saturday evening as "satisfying" although they felt the nine-try performance was not as polished as they would like.

"It was not who we played that was important on Saturday," said Van Zyl. "There were things that had to be fixed on Saturday (after Province had lost three matches in the last three weeks) and there were things that had to be mended.

Coetzee said the win was important for the team to build up confidence again.

"It was important for us to get back on the winning trail (after losing three matches in a row)," said Coetzee. "It was not as polished as we would have liked and hopefully we will hit the road running next week.

"It was a matter of the pack laying a platform and it was pleasing to see the pack taking control.

"The returning Springboks had to learn the systems and the calls, and it was wonderful to see them settling in.

"Our confidence took a knock (of late) and the win will do us good but we know there's hard work ahead.

"There's never been a lack of effort in the team and I can say that we (Province) know where we are heading."

Chaka Willemse, the Leopards coach, said despite the result his side were playing an important role in South African rugby because a number of players who were featuring prominently for other Currie Cup sides had learnt their rugby in the Western Gauteng-based union.

"We (the Leopards) tried today but Province have a great attack," said Willemse. "But we always tried to make things happen and we managed to snatch two tries.

"We are making progress, but nothing is happening for us.

"Even though the results have not gone our way I'll say it is an honour for us (Leopards) to play in the Currie Cup.

"We going through tough times but we're determined to carry on and do our best."