News

Tough task facing Province

Wednesday 27th August 2008

Looking doubtful: Brok Harris

Western Province have a mountain to climb when they take on the strong Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Friday's Currie Cup match.

Province are with their backs against the wall and need to win to keep the outside chance of making the semi-finals alive. And to achieve their goal the pack of forwards need to win the battle up front against an impressive Bulls pack.

Province suffered a blow when tighthead prop Brok Harris twisted an ankle at training on Monday. He is a doubtful starter at this stage and if he doesn't play it will be a massive setback for Province's chances of pulling off a crucial victory.

Western Province forwards coach Jacques Hanekom said they were hopeful that Harris will be back to full fitness come Friday evening.

"Our preparation actually went well. We did most of the hard work last week and this week we just used to put the last things in place," he said.

"But on Monday we had the injury of Brok - we ran through our structures and then he twisted his ankle right at the end of the training session.

"We are now waiting on a verdict from the medical team. We have just done all the critical things such as the line-outs and scrums and then he got injured."

Fortunately for Western Province, Schalk Ferreira is available again after recovering from a neck injury, but the side has to fall back on U21 prop JC Kritzinger in case Harris was ruled out.

"Schalk and Wicus Blaauw are looseheads, but fortunately JC is a good player and he trained with us many times before," said Hanekom.

"That is a positive and I am optimistic that he would be up for the task in case we have to call on him."

Hanekom is of the opinion the Western Province pack don't need any added motivation for Friday's challenge against a Bulls eight that includes Springboks Wikus van Heerden and Gurthro Steenkamp.

"All the guys realise we are in a position where we must win," said Hanekom.

"The task is made tougher when you have to play at Loftus against a strong team.

"But the guys are optimistic despite the situation we find ourselves in. We blooded a lot of youngsters in this year's competition due to injuries and Springbok commitments and I think up until now the forwards fared well.

"Our line-out play thus far has been some of the best in the competition and we scrummed well against the Sharks.

"One place where we need to improve from a forward point of view is on the ground. The Bulls are strong there with Deon Stegmann and Wikus van Heerden, so that will be a big challenge."

Hanekom said the Western Province youngsters couldn't have asked for a better stage to make their mark.

"If you want to measure yourself it surely should be against the best and this will be a good challenge for them," he said.

"I am positive that our young guys would not stand back. Today you should take your opportunities, no matter your age."