Western Province Rugby

Allister on the Cheetahs and Lions

Lindsey Rayner — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:14:40 +0200

It was disappointing to lose, losing at Newlands hurts even more. Credit to the Cheetahs, but having studied the video, we were our own worst enemies simply too many mistakes especially in the first half, which allowed the Cheetahs to kick points and put the pressure on us. Ball retention and discipline were key issues that will be receiving attention this week.

This week, the Lions in JHB and it’s another tough one. Despite having shut out the Lions 32-0 at Newlands in the first round encounter, under John Mitchell they have steadily improved. On a roll with 3 consecutive victories under their belts, over the Cheetahs, Pumas and Leopards they will be brimming with confidence and will fancy their chances for revenge this week. Travelling into the Lion’s den we are under no illusions as to what awaits.

Tiaan Liebenberg will see a specialist today (Mon) as to the ankle injury sustained in the 22’nd minute of Fridays match, but he remains a doubtful starter for this weekend’s game. Gio has returned to the Boks and we will only know a little later if anyone will be released to us this week. Bok wise, next week should see the release and return of Juan, Jean De Villers, Gio and Flo for WP duty. Before then however there is the little matter of the Joburg clash, the away points and most importantly looking to regain our winning momentum!

Thanks for your on-going support and messages.

Your Coach

Allister Coetzee.

Allister on the FS Cheetahs game on Friday, 1930, Newlands

Lindsey Rayner — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:33:43 +0200

The wake-up call comes at the right time

Lindsey Rayner — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:05:25 +0200

We tasted defeat for the first time in Durban this week and it was bitter! We were simply not accurate enough at set piece and concede too many turnovers. You can’t build phases if you don’t keep your hands on the ball.

Well done to the Sharks. They heaped pressure on us especially in the second half. Their Boks had a big influence on the game and on our side the injury disruptions to Elstadt and Louw certainly didn’t help.

The wake-up call comes at the right time though and whilst we can’t focus too long on the loss, we will take a hard look at the footage and look to correct the mistakes that cost us the game.

Next up the Cheetahs, who will certainly be looking to avenge their loss in Bloem to us and then it’s the Lions in JHB, who are improving all the time. This WP team has a huge amount of passion for jersey and character as a unit. There is no doubt the players weren’t happy with the loss in Durban and will be doing all in their power to set the record straight.

That all said, we are relatively happy with where we are as a team at the half way mark. There is still however a long way to go and we have set ourselves some tough goals. Expect a big performance from your team.

See you at Newlands on Friday.

Your coach

Allister Coetzee.

As tough and uncompromising as it comes

Lindsey Rayner — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:23:50 +0200

It was tough out there, but we were very happy with the win and the points. You don’t just beat the Bulls easily! We said it last week and it was how we said it would be – like a test. As tough and uncompromising as it comes on the pitch and this team will go away better for the experience. Crucially we were able to grind out a win showing that this squad is maturing.

Especially pleasing is that through the U19 and U21 age group teams, there were wins as well against the Bulls and all 3 WP teams remain unbeaten. A number of years of planning and effort are now starting to bear fruit and this bodes well for the future. As I have said before, whilst concentrating match to match, we also have a greater longer term vision.

Whilst the points were banked on Saturday, there are a number of areas on which we will work this week. Cutting down on our error rate, patience on attack and taking the chances when on offer, the obvious focus points.

This Saturday’s game will determine the log leader at the halfway mark in this year’s competition and there is no doubt that the Sharks in Durban will be formidable opponents – maybe our toughest yet. The win on the weekend was great, but now the Sharks game is our only focus.

A record league fixture crowd at Newlands. The atmosphere and support was unbelievable and certainly carried the team when the going got tough. A huge thank you to all!

WP jou lekker ding.

Allister Coetzee.

Good win but now it’s the Bulls!

Lindsey Rayner — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 11:01:21 +0200

After narrow 1 point losses in Kimberley over the last 2 years, it was great to exorcise that ghost. Whilst not yet perfect, it was a pleasing performance. You don’t just come to Kimberley and get 50 points, score 6 tries and not allow Griquas to score.

That said it’s the Blue Bulls this weekend and I can absolutely assure you that whilst we enjoyed the win and 5 points on the weekend there is absolutely no one in this squad that is getting ahead of themselves and that is not now entirely focussed on this game.

Whilst we lose Juan, Gio and Flo back to the Boks, I certainly feel we have the depth and have prepared for this happening. The Bulls have lost a few as well! We are focussed as a team, have prepared well, have crucial depth and I feel are now starting to get the balance in our game right. Everyone knows how good the Bulls are. It’s a big challenge for us. We will certainly look to take lessons learnt in the Super 14 and apply them. There has been great interest in this game and we are looking forward to playing at Newlands in front of our own passionate crowd.

A huge thank you for the support of the Kimberley faithful. Thanks too for the messages from around the country.

See you at Newlands!

WP jou lekker ding!

Allister Coetzee.

Tough 5 weeks ahead

Lindsey Rayner — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:48:16 +0200

Whilst it is good to be the only unbeaten team and top of the log, the reality is we have a very tough 5 week stint ahead and the squads feet are very firmly grounded. No one is getting ahead themselves just yet! With Griquas (away), Blue Bulls (home), Sharks (away), FS Cheetahs (home) and Lions (away), we play the teams that currently occupy the next best positions on the log in the next few weeks. After this round of games we should have a very clear picture as to where we stand.

Maintaining our early positive momentum is crucial to our greater goals and I firmly believe this team is in a great space and ready for the challenge.

Despite disruptions, we have grown as a team over the last few weeks. Criticised by some for being too conservative against some of the so called smaller Unions, we have opted to stick to our structures and cement a style and game plan we believe suited to our strengths and current situation. We have opted to practice and play against the so called smaller Unions in the same way as we will have to play against the top teams. This to ensure our strategies are in place and working. At the same time we have been able to blood a number of youngsters as part of our longer term vision of creating depth.

It’s definitely about winning momentum, on-field structure and making the right decisions at the right time for us. It is precisely because of this approach that I believe we are well positioned for the next 5 weeks against the bigger Unions. They are going to be tough, but I am confident that this team has the plan and the firepower to compete!

Thanks for the enormous amount of support we continue to receive. It is appreciated by all.

WP jou Lekker ding!

WP Press Conference ahead of Pumas clash at Newlands

Lindsey Rayner — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:59:10 +0200

Check out this video from Tuesday's Press Conference as Coach Allister Coetzee and Captain Anton Van Zyl speak to the media ahead of Vodacom WP's next fixture against the Barloworld Toyota Pumas at Newlands on Friday evening.

Topics on discussion included, this weekend's opposition, why Allister Coetzee made so many changes including Springboks Juan de Jongh and Gio Aplon and what it means to the coach to already be top of the ABSA Currie Cup log.

There is great spirit in this team

Lindsey Rayner — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:54:40 +0200

There is great spirit in this team and despite disruption through new combinations, having lost a large contingent to the Boks and Grant and Pietersen to foreign clubs, we are still managing to maintain positive momentum.

It is however still early days in the competition and there remains a lot to do. What is pleasing though is that it’s off a solid base. This week the Pumas – coming off a loss to the Sharks on the road there is no doubt that they will travel to Cape Town hungry for the points. We dare not drop our guard.

We have the luxury of welcoming back returning Boks, Flo, Gio and De Jongh. There is no doubt having tasted international rugby, these players return with increased experience, which will be of enormous benefit to the greater squad. Whilst it is a short week for us, these players know our systems and will slot back in easily. A Friday game is always a little difficult as your preparation time is condensed, but we will be up for it.

As I have said before, whilst we are focussing game for game, we also have a greater vision to strengthen our playing base and structures for the Super 15. Our U19’s and U21’s also remain unbeaten in their competitions and given the success of our age group teams at Craven Week, it really does seem as if our structures are starting to produce results. Bodes well for the future of Province Rugby!

We look forward to welcoming the faithful to Newlands on Friday. See you there!

Allister and Anton Speak ahead of the clash against the Leopards in Potch

Lindsey Rayner — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:49:59 +0200

Vodacom WP coach Allister Coetzee and Captain Anton Van Zyl spoke to the media on Tuesday afternoon about the upcoming ABSA Currie Cup game against the Leopards in Potchefstroom and the team's previous clash against the Lions when they ran out 32-0 victors at Newlands.

See below some of the insights that they gave and what they are expecting from Friday night's clash.

We let no one score here today

Lindsey Rayner — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 09:46:04 +0200

“We let no one score here today!” Those were the WP forwards words clearly heard over the refs mike as the Province players packed down in a defensive scrum on their own line, having defended like demons for an extended period against the Lions on Saturday.

“That’s the pride that there is in this team and in our defensive effort.” Said coach Allister Coetzee at the press conference after the match.

“Defence comes from the heart. We have a happy team and a great defensive coach in Jacques Nienaber, but most of all it’s the heart and passion this team has.”

Province captain Anton Van Zyl concurred adding, “It’s a mindset of OUR man and not HIS man.”

In the first 2 fixtures of this year’s Currie Cup against The Cheetahs and Lions, Province has conceded only 1 try.