Western Province had to wait till the dying seconds to secure a win of 29-25 against the Cheetahs in their Absa Currie Cup match on Saturday, after leading 17-6 at half-time.
Neil de Kock (scrumhalf), Breyton Paulse (wing) and Jean de Villiers (centre) made the difference between the two sides. De Kock played a captain’s match and there is no doubt that he was the man of the match. De Villiers showed his flair and had a big hand in the visitors’ first two tries. On both occasions, his tactical kicking was brilliant.
Free State were also punished for not finding touch with their line kicking. Paulse handed down judgement with two outstanding tries.
Line-outs were also a big problem for the home side, with Province winning at least five of the home-side’s line-out balls.
Joe van Niekerk (flank) showed his worth on the attack, while Rob Linde (lock) did his part in the loose.
For the home side, Willem de Waal had a blinder. De Waal showed that he is in a class of his own and it would not be surprising if he were called on to Europe with the Boks. Juan Smith (flank), Os du Randt (prop) and Boela du Plooy (lock) also deserved full marks for their performances. — Sapa