Western Province are determined to avenge the Stormers’ disappointment by clinching a first Currie Cup title since 2017. DYLAN JACK reports.
Following the Stormers’ Vodacom United Rugby Championship final loss to Munster, the focus in the Western Cape has shifted to the Currie Cup, where Western Province are in a dogfight for a semi-final place.
Currently in fourth after winning half of their 12 games with a youthful squad, Province are level on points with the Lions and the Vodacom Bulls, while Griquas – their opponents on Friday night – are in hot pursuit, trailing by just a single point.
MORE: WP won’t URC up for Currie Cup
Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, assistant coach Dawie Snyman admitted that there has been a “grim” mood following the Stormers’ loss, but the players are eager to shake off that feeling by getting stuck into the Currie Cup.
“The Currie Cup has always been a big motivator for us as a union. We haven’t done well in this competition for the past two or three seasons,” said Snyman. “We knew it would be tough with the URC going on. All the young guys getting valuable experience has been great for us as a squad, but I think it’s almost next job.
“It was quite grim over the last two days, after the loss, but we have to get over it. One of the best ways is to get onto the field and get playing again.”
21-year-old lock Connor Evans has been among the young players who have grasped their opportunity in the Currie Cup, forming a solid lock partnership with Adre Smith that has caught the eye of John Dobson.
Evans made no secret of the fact that Province are hoping to win a first Currie Cup title in more than five years.
“We base our success on silverware. We want to win,” said Evans. “Even though I wasn’t playing over the weekend, that URC final loss will definitely be used as motivation. Like Dawie said, the best way to get out of it is just to get on the field and back up our past performances.”
ICYMI: Stormers sidestep Kolbe move
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images