CAPE TOWN – It’s going to take an effort of note to grab the Currie Cup trophy from Western Province’s grasp, that’s for sure, following their 38-12 victory over Griquas at Newlands on Saturday night.
While that statement surely is more applicable to the first half, it’s the quality of their first-half production that made it a stunning one.
John Dobson’s team ran in six tries on Saturday night – and it is hard to decide which one was the best.
With the home side completely dominating territory and possession in the first half, flyhalf Josh Stander crossed the tryline first.
Wings Sergeal Petersen and JJ Engelbrecht, scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies, No 8 Juarno Augustus all dotted down as well, while Kyle Steyn and AJ Coertzen were the visitors’ only scorers, with flyhalf George Whitehead contributing two points.
Both Petersen’s tries perfectly reflected the game he had, or rather, the season he’s had.
His first – which came after Jantjies cleared the ball from a ruck around midfield – was the product of stunning interplay and a series of outside-inside passes between himself, Jantjies and Damian Willemse.
His second again came after Willemse played his part, this time in the form of a grubber into space, which Petersen picked up before brilliantly assessing his space close to touch and putting in a little grubber of his around the 22.
He won the foot-race and dived to ground just before it crossed the dead-ball line. But there’s probably no description that can do that piece of play justice.
Willemse, who started at fullback, also had a solid game as he had a hand in a few of Province’s tries, carried well and was eager to play a role in defence... as always.
Fullback Damian Willemse was a handful on attack and defence for Western Province against Griquas. Photo: Phando Jikelo/African News Agency/ANA
Stander also showed that he can offer WP some depth at flyhalf with another strong outing.
The second half was a lot tighter, and the fact that Province didn’t score any points after the break proved that.
Griquas, on the other hand, added a second try to the one they managed in the first 40.
Bongi Mbonambi charges through the Griquas defence at Newlands. Photo: Phando Jikelo/African News Agency/ANA
And while WP weren’t as rampaging as they were in the opening half, it was still an effort that showed how tough they are to beat.
Province will face the Sharks at Newlands in their second-last game of the season next weekend before heading into the playoffs.
Points-Scorers
Western Province 38 – Tries: Josh Stander, Sergeal Petersen (2), Herschel Jantjies, Juarno Augustus, JJ Engelbrecht. Conversions: Stander (4).
Griquas 12 – Tries: Kyle Steyn, AJ Coertzen. Conversion: George Whitehead (1).
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