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WP out to stamp authority

Stephen Nell

Cape Town – Western Province want to end years of under-achievement in the Vodacom Cup and stamp their authority on the competition this year.

John Dobson, who was appointed as Vodacom Cup and under-21 coach towards the end of last season, has his sights on a final in both competitions this year.

“I don’t think it’s unfair to say that WP under-achieved in the Vodacom Cup in recent seasons. You can’t blame the previous coach (Jerome Paarwater).

"It’s the manner in which the competition was structured by WP, and sometimes a case of senior players that were disappointed that they weren’t involved with the Stormers and therefore weren’t at their best in the Vodacom Cup,” he said.

Dobson will rely on the pick of last year’s triumphant under-19 and under-21 sides that are considered ready for senior rugby. Seniors that don’t make the Stormers team will also be considered for WP.

“As coaches we have to manage the disappointments of players and make them understand that the only way to get back into the Stormers team is by playing well for WP.

"While I want to win the tournament, the overall goal is to get as many players as possible to play Super Rugby,” said Dobson.

There will be close co-operation between the Stormers and WP.

“The union’s focus is holistic. We were (up until last week) one squad with all the coaches working together. All the basic coaching has been done in the same manner. Our task now is to create the team’s identity and spirit, and then try to win the Cup,” said Dobson.

“We also want to involve the best players from the WP Amateur side that won their tournament last year. The challenge with the Vodacom Cup side is to build a happy team, because technically everything is in place.

“With the talent we have at WP, we should get on the winning track if the players are enjoying themselves.”

Youngsters worth keeping an eye on are Quinn Roux (lock), Johann Sadie (centre), JJ Engelbrecht, Danie Poolman (both wings), Siya Kolisi (loose forward) and Siyabonga Ntubeni (hooker).

Young prop Steven Kitshoff, who was still at school last year, has also provided glimpses of his scrumming potential in pre-season. There are also high hopes for young tighthead prop Frans Malherbe.

“It can be one injury in the Stormers that gets guys like Ntubeni and Kolisi in the picture. The young talent here is incredible,” said Dobson.

For Dobson, it’s also a big year on a personal level. He coached the Ikeys for the past few seasons and they punched above their weight in the Varsity Cup. He was already involved with the coaching of the WP under-21 side last year.

“I don’t think I would have been in the system had it not been for the Varsity Cup. Players, as well as coaches, get a window to display their talents there. For me this is a big step,” he said.
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