Western Province rugby coach Allister Coetzee has banished his squad from its training base at the Bellville High Performance Centre for a few days in an effort to combat player fatigue.
Province’s 2010 Absa Currie Cup final clash against the Sharks will be played in Durban on Saturday October 30, and Coetzee feels there is a need to use the 14-day break wisely.
“Mentally it is time to switch off a bit now,” said Coetzee.
“We will have to do this to ensure the players are fit and fresh when we go up to Durban in two weeks’ time.
“We’ve got see this week as a great chance to recharge ourselves. It gives the players a chance to switch off, not only to recover physically, but also to get away from the training base at the high performance centre.
“It’s all about managing the players properly. We’ve got to get a fresh 22-player squad out for the very tough final that’s awaiting us.”
‘We’ve got our work cut out for us’
As a result of Coetzee’s concerns, Province will have a lone training session this week for just more than an hour before preparations start in earnest again next Monday in the week leading up to the Durban final.
“We’re up against a top-notch side who have played extremely well in this year’s competition and we know we’ve got our work cut out for us,” said Coetzee.
“But as a group we know there’s a strong self-belief and there’s something special in this side.
“We’ll do our homework and will be up for the final. The Sharks will be favourites at home, but it’s a challenge we’re looking forward to.”
Schalk Burger, the Province captain, is hoping his side will have presence of mind to execute their game plan in the final.
“The final is a one-off occasion and everyone will be nervous,” said Burger.
“On the day if we play well, it will help us a lot to calm us down and help us play better.” — Sapa