Treu named WP defence coach

Cape Town - New Western Province Currie Cup coach John Dobson has confirmed that Juan de Jongh will captain the side in this season’s tournament.

Nizaam Carr would be the likely vice-captain.

Dobson was addressing media at the High Performance Centre in Bellville on Monday, and he also confirmed the appointment of Paul Treu as the defence coach for the season.

Dobson said that he would look to implement an “attacking breakdown” philosophy this season.

“Out of the five worst breakdown teams in Super Rugby, four were South African,” said Dobson.

“We’ve built a good scrum culture here but one of my focuses is going to be the breakdown culture.

“It’s technical. I think our guys’ spirits are willing ... but we haven’t got a clear policy. We haven’t practiced it enough and we been technical enough.

“It’s a long campaign, Super Rugby, and you get tired. But Currie Cup gives us an opportunity to get a breakdown culture here because we can go on as much as we like about not scoring four tries but without quick ball and front-foot ball it’s not going to happen.”

Western Province will play against the Pumas in Franschhoek next Saturday in a pre-season friendly.