Western Province coach Carel du Plessis emphasised the need for his side to convert their try-scoring chances ahead of Saturday’s Currie Cup match against Griquas.
”We were disappointed to lose to the Sharks. There were opportunities to score tries that we did not take. I would like to see us create chances and finish them off,” said Du Plessis.
Although WP are expected to deal reasonably comfortably with Griquas, who have yet to win a game, there are a number of areas Du Plessis wants addressed.
”[In last Saturday’s defeat to] the Sharks we had good first-phase possession and continuity through phases, but at times they managed to slow it down,” he said.
”There were times when we were too flat. We have to work on that and improve it. We want to get a lot more pace on the ball.
”We are not underestimating Griquas. At home they are a different side and they have their backs against the wall. It’s important we play good, constructive rugby.”
Du Plessis had to make a number of changes to his team following an injury to wing Gus Theron and the call-up of centre Jean de Villiers and lock Quinton Davids to the World Cup training squad.
In naming his side on Wednesday, Du Plessis replaced De Villiers with former Sharks star Joos Joubert, while Hottie Louw has come in for Davids.
Breyton Paulse was named as Theron’s replacement, but there was still some doubt whether he would be cleared to play.
At tighthead prop, Pat Barnard has been given a chance at the expense of Cobus Visagie.
Western Province: Gaffie du Toit, Breyton Paulse, Robbie Fleck, Joos Joubert, Pieter Rossouw (captain), Chris Rossouw, Bolla Conradie, Pietie Ferreira, Schalk Burger, Hendrik Gerber, Hottie Louw, Rob Linde, Pat Barnard, Pieter Dixon, Daan Human. Substitutes: Martin van Schalkwyk, Morne van der Merwe, Gordon Gilfillan, Adri Badenhorst, Stefan Basson, Lean van Dyk, Egon Seconds. — Sapa