Allister Coetzee – a message to our blogging community.
I wanted to take time to thank all the bloggers that utilise this platform, especially the regulars like Allie, Disablom and co. It is clear that most of you have Province/Stormers in your hearts and souls and whilst sometimes it hurts to read your comments, especially after a loss, in the whole it is heartening to see the passion, pride and knowledge on display here.
WP cruise into semis
DHL Western Province booked themselves a place in the Absa Currie Cup semifinals when they beat the Pumas 43-18 (halftime 24-8) at DHL Newlands on Saturday to squeeze into the last four.
The result meant that DHL WP finish the regular season on 41 log points, one more than the Vodacom Blue Bulls. Province will now face the MTN Golden Lions in Johannesburg in next Saturday's semifinals.
Press conference update
Coach Allister Coetzee at a press conference today confirmed he is awaiting official confirmation as to the availability and eligibility of the returning Province internationals. “Should it be confirmed, we will definitely look to utilise returning players that are fit and hungry to play. The Boks bring an enormous amount to the team dynamic and our play. Griquas have given us another bite at the cherry and it's an opportunity we don't want to let slip” said the coach.
The coach confirmed DHL WP are expecting a very tough game from the visiting Pumas, “They took the Cheetahs very close last week. They are very physical and clearly won't be pushovers.”
The Bulls play the Leopards on Friday and Province will know exactly where they stand before they take to the Newlands pitch on Saturday. “Our destiny remains in our own hands and we will be giving our all” said the coach.
DHL WP downed by Lions
DHL WP suffered a 42-25 defeat in an Absa Currie Cup clash at Coca-Cola Park against log leaders the Lions.
Coetzee salutes special win
At points this season it has felt that everything has been against DHL Western Province. Almost without fail, after every game this campaign the coaching staff has had to deal with major injuries leaving them sourcing players from the U21 side and the club rugby structures.
It was therefore incredibly satisfying for coach Allister Coetzee, when his young side overcame a Sharks side brimming with Springboks in. Following the 15-10 victory in Durban, Coetzee praised his side for their performance , which once again highlighted the incredible character of the team.
Q&A Marcel Brache - Out of the blue
Marcel Brache tells us about working with Robbie Fleck, and what an average week entails for a DHL WP player – by Dan Gillespie – as first published in province the official match day magazine of WP Rugby.
'Growing up I idolised guys like Fleckie. I never thought I'd get the chance to even meet him, let alone work so closely with him'
Statement on Lionel Cronje
Lionel Cronje who was contracted to WP until the end of 2012 has been transferred and will take up a position with the Blue Bulls after the conclusion of the 2011 Absa Currie Cup.
Conrad Jantjes - SECOND CHANCE
Conrad Jantjes thought his professional career was over in 2009. But now he’s a key part of the DHL WP side ‘I am enjoying the role of being the experienced player in a young backline and leading the troops from the back'
DHL WP U21s do their part for the community
Having finished the first half of the season unbeaten and top of the log, the DHL WP U21 team changed tempo this week.
With the team enjoying a bye, coach John Dobson took the boys to Atlantis to go help the Niall Ellon Housing Trust. The trust assists those less fortunate by providing them with housing and the U21 side gave a helping hand by joining the building team of some of these homes.
Quinn Roux - Q & A
At the age of just 20, the DHL WP Lock is shaping up to be one of the games new enforcers. Quinn Roux tells us more about himself.
Where are you from originally?
I'm originally from Pretoria, born and bred there. I came down to the Mother City about 3 years ago. I moved down to the WP Institute and started my career from there.
When did you first start playing rugby?
I started playing in primary school (laughs) but that wasn't serious contact. I then went to Affies, there my rugby career started and the game became serious.
How's the physicality and aggression in Absa Currie Cup compared to other levels you have played?
It's a lot higher, the pace is much faster and the level of intensity is greater. There are a lot of us youngsters being given opportunities at the moment. It is clearly a focus at WP. The coaches and senior players are very supportive and always there to offer us help. We all want to grab the opportunities and are hungry to achieve, the standard of play for the Absa Currie Cup isn't easy and we all know the responsibility that comes with it.
How do you feel everytime you represent WP?
All my life I have been a WP fan, always dreamt of playing for them one day. So when I put on that jersey, I get a rush of excitement and anxiety, I know that this is the team I want to represent, this is the team that I hold dear to my heart.
You have represented WP in u19, u21 and now in Absa Currie Cup - how do you find the coaching structures as you move up?
The coaching structures are great. It is very well organised, and professionally run. I reckon we have one of the best set-up's in the world. What is great is that at any given time of the day, all the coaches are there to assist you, they are very approachable and they help you with any and every aspect of your game. The communication lines between players and coaches are open, and that is vital. There are tough times, but like I said we have a good set-up at the HPC - that helps.
The Currie Cup team for this year is fairly young, are you guys handling the pressure?
What is important is that we as youngsters, as a group, we feeling great. We all support each other 100% both on and off the field. We have alot of senior guys around us who help us tremendously, to deal with the pressures of the game. Guys like, Tiaan, Conrad, Deon and Dewaldt - they always giving us advice and showing us the ropes, that makes it easy for us, they make us feel welcome. The vibe within our squad at the moment is awesome, we keep growing as a team and whilst I want to do well as a player, what is most important is my contribution that I can offer towards the team and its future, whilst I gain experience from all around me. What's also awesome to see is that whilst a number of the U21 players are getting experience at senior level, that U21 team continues to achieve. That's testament to the structures in place Province and the opportunities been granted.
Quinn has represented the following age groups for DHL WP:
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
| 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
| 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
