WP shut out Cheetahs
15 Jul 2006
After scoring over 150 points in three weeks, the Vodacom Cheetahs struggled to penetrate Western Province’s defence, losing 20-13.
A late try by Cheetahs prop Richardt Strauss gave the visitors a bonus point, but the game belonged to Vodacom Western Province, especially in the second half.
Although the rain came down in the second period, the match was played at a high intensity and, unlike the international in Brisbane, was always a close contest.
The big names performed for the big occasion, with Western Province captain Luke Watson having another blinder in the loose. Another prominent figure both as a ball carrier and defender was eighth man Robbie Diack, while Bolla Conradie, in his 50th game, controlled the match behind a pack that once again exceeded expectations.
The match began at a great pace, with WP putting in some classy touches and scoring the opening try through Justin Melck. The Cheetahs then slowed down the pace of the game and dominated territory and possession, but were denied any real reward through superb WP defence. For most of the game, it didn’t matter whether the Cheetahs took it wide or attacked close to the contact points, Province halted the progress.
Province’s defence proved significant in the build-up to their second try. A turnover created the intial attack and from a five metre scrum Diack powered over.
Watson continues to be WP’s X-factor, securing several key turnovers that prevented the Cheetahs from establishing any momentum.
The Cheetahs strength was, as expected, in the line-outs, and coach Rassie Erasmus would have been pleased with how successful they were in this area. But where they excelled in winning the ball, they struggled to gain sufficient ground with the rolling maul. Again the Province forwards need to take a bow, as they worked effectively as a unit to limit the visitors’ progress. Having stood firm against the Sharks and matched the Bulls in Pretoria, the pack can no longer be considered a WP weakness.
Both backlines looked to be innovative and the home team midfield of Sarel Potgieter and Corne Uys were good in broken play. Surprisingly, Free State relied more on structure among the backs, although the second half rain could have been another reason why they played with such inhibition.
Free State also persisted in kicking to the corner from penalties, but their search for a try proved elusive until the last play of the game. History shows that Free State have won at Newlands in recent times by kicking penalties and playing the percentages. On Saturday they deviated from a reliance on goalkicking and suffered because of the decision.
Province, doubtful for a play-off position following the dismal Stormers effort in the Super 14, are entrenched in the top four of the Absa Currie Cup and with a bit more polish may even be eyeing a top two position, whereas a month ago the goal would have been top four.
WP - Tries: Justin Melck (3 mins), Robbie Diack (36 mins); Conversions: Naas Olivier (2); Penalties: Olivier (2)
Cheetahs - Tries: Richardt Strauss (80 mins); Conversion: Willem De Waal; Penalties: De Waal (2)
By Jon Cardinelli, at Newlands
165 Comments
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15 Jul 2006, 20:44 pm
I have not seen today games – in the UK and download them once the Oz/Nz have uploaded them. I saw how Luke played most of the Super14. He is a good player so don’t get me wrong – I just don’t think he is better than provencial level. I said the same about Schalk when he first made it and he had the added disadvantage of playing Boks before WP – he was rushed into the deep end. I do beleive players need to go up the ranks. Luke has the other negative – too short so can’t be used in line out – so less options.
15 Jul 2006, 20:56 pm
Well done Province and Luke, at least you made us have some taste of joy on a dreary day in SA rugby history.
Imagine being a Sharks or Free State supporter this evening, I’m glad I’m not!!
This WP team can go far this year and it looks like they are gaining in confidence every week.
15 Jul 2006, 21:34 pm
how much credit can fester and gold take for w.p. turnaround?
does a bad coach suddenly become a good coach?
how much did mallet interfered at stormers level?
this is an ordinary w.p. team playing like a well coached team.
not afraid to make mistakes.
15 Jul 2006, 22:12 pm
Wilfred, by the looks of it Mallet was causing more harm than good in the S14. Since Mallet has stepped away totally from the coaching “support” role he had with the Stormers, Fester has been able to stamp his own identity on the team.
They are definitely looking like a well coached team and with the Sharks are playing the most attractive rugby in the CC from what I have seen.
It’s just a matter of time before “baby face” Dialk is a big star in Cape Town!!
Good on ya Fester!!
16 Jul 2006, 09:27 am
The no 8 Diack is going to become a good player.
But the WP is still 4th on the log.
16 Jul 2006, 10:10 am
Hey Stan – the moffies BEAT you. They beat the “hard men”.
They BEAT you in your “impenetrable” Bullring.
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
Bwahahahaha….
16 Jul 2006, 10:12 am
I understand you joy pussycat.
It took you 2 years to do it.
But you are still 4 th on the log.
16 Jul 2006, 11:00 am
Stan – not for long! You are taking comfort from the 1 (one) bonus point you are ahead at the start of the currie cup? You are a desperate man.
The MOFFIES beat the hard men. The moffies BEAT the hard men. The moffies beat the HARD MEN(?)
Bwahahahaha……
16 Jul 2006, 11:24 am
Anyways Stan,
the Spermwhales will give the knuckledraggers a good roggering next week. Dan kyk ons weer na die log
16 Jul 2006, 11:27 am
on paper the bull’s are better than province, but province are playing a thinking game,something the bull’s are not capable of.
16 Jul 2006, 12:30 pm
Stan, let’s see what happens when the bulls play Free State.
Anyway it’s great that WP are able to field a competitive team with a desire to play winning rugby, it was hard work beating Free State yesterday and these youngsters showed a lot of determination in defense.
As the great Doc used to say, a good WP team is great for SA rugby. Unfortunately we can’t say the same for the bulls, they have a good team but it’s not doing much for SA rugby . . . mmm . . . makes you think.
16 Jul 2006, 12:53 pm
the wp loose trio was outstanding , diack and melck had great games and watson needs to be picked for the boks soon before its too late .
16 Jul 2006, 15:06 pm
**** no!!! Leave Watson at WP until the “old toppies” founds us a new coach. JW will just fuckup Watson style, and his (Watson’s) personality and leadership is to strong for Jake and his gang of old boys.
16 Jul 2006, 17:10 pm
Diack and van der Merwe were outstanding. So was Melck. Rassie’s boys were outgunned. This is an eye-opener if ever there was one.
16 Jul 2006, 18:00 pm
Stan
Bulls are ordinary, lack vision and pace ..
One only has to look what it did to the bok side on sat.
WP – Bulls ….won
WP – Cheetahs …won
WP – Sharks …. very unlucky to lose
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