WP welcome pack boost for derby

07/26/2024 08:27 AM

Dawie Snyman has welcomed the return of experienced heads to DHL Western Province’s starting lineup for the return Currie Cup clash with the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday.

Springbok prop and former Bull Lizo Gqoboka is among a set of four experienced campaigners who make a timely return to action for the North-South derby at Loftus Versfeld.

Tighthead prop Sazi Sandi, wing Courtnall Skosan and another former Bulls star Wandisile Simelane are also back after missing the match against Griffons in Welkom.

“It’s nice to have a bit of senior experience coming back, especially in the front row,” assistant coach Snyman said. “They are also guys who need a bit of game time.

“There’s a little bit of youth as well, with Divan Fuller getting his opportunity, which we are really excited about.”

WP go into the match having claimed a first win of the campaign in emphatic style by scoring 10 tries against the Griffons.

While Snyman is delighted to have picked up some momentum, he expects a completely different challenge against an experienced Bulls team.

“It’s going to be almost a totally different sport,” Snyman said.

“What was nice was that we got to build a bit of rhythm as a team. We haven’t played a lot as a unit in the Currie Cup and we’ve had a short time to prepare for it.

“In those first two games, we were still finding our rhythm. In Welkom, a few things came together for us. But we know we are in for a big one tomorrow.”

WP scored four tries and secured two bonus points in a narrow defeat against the Bulls in their 2024 Currie Cup opener at Cape Town Stadium.

“In that first round, the circumstances were difficult,” Snyman explained. “That game was closer than what it looked on the scoreboard. The Bulls did well in the conditions.

“We have an opportunity to play in better conditions, which suit our style better. Saying that, we must learn to play in those conditions, so it was a good lesson for us.

“Part of our development is to go out and win the game, to go to a difficult place to win against a very good team with a very strong squad.

“I told the guys at the beginning of the week, this is where you really find out about yourself as a player. So this is part of their development, to win games and play well in difficult circumstances.”

Photo: Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images

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