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Scrums could decide Cup final

Cape Town - Western Province should start as favourites because they are at home, but the scrums could play a major role in Saturday's Currie Cup final at Newlands between the hosts and the Golden Lions.

That is the view of Sharks coach Brad Mac­Leod-Henderson, whose side lost 50-20 to the Lions in last weekend's semi-final at Ellis Park.

The Sharks were demolished at scrum time last weekend and Mac­Leod-Henderson believes the Lions should target this area.

"I believe WP should start as favourites because they have home ground advantage, but if the Lions can get the upper hand in the first few scrums, then things could get very interesting," Mac­Leod-Henderson told Beeld.

The Lions front row of Schalk van der Merwe, Robbie Coetzee and Ruan Dreyer crushed the Sharks last week, and they also have the luxury of bringing on the impressive Akker van der Merwe and Julian Redelinghuys in the second half.

The last time Western Province and the Lions met in a Currie Cup final was way back in 1986, when the hosts beat the then Transvaal 22-9 at Newlands.

Kick-off for Saturday's clash is scheduled for 17:00.
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