ONE of the big games this weekend in the second round of the Currie Cup is the match between Western Province and the Lions in Cape Town.
ONE of the big games this weekend in the second round of the Currie Cup is the match between Western Province and the Lions in Cape Town.
Both are coming off good wins away from home - Province against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein and the Lions against the Leopards in Rustenburg.
Of all the teams in week one, Province seem to have found their rhythm the quickest. Assistant coach and former Springbok Robbie Fleck puts the good start down to a couple of factors.
"We were expecting a tough game against the Cheetahs as they are never easy to play at home," Fleck told Sowetan yesterday. "We had a good game plan, which the team executed really well and the guys played the percentages."
After a disastrous Super 14 campaign, the Currie Cup Lions are still an unknown quantity with a number of new players in their starting line-up.
"We are definitely expecting a tough game from them. They look rejuvenated in their approach and the new youngsters have definitely made an impact.
"Jaco Taute is explosive in open play and under the new coach (John Mitchell) they seem to have more structure than they did during the Super 14," Fleck said.
One player making a welcome return to top-level rugby after a year on the sidelines because of injury is Conrad Jantjes.
Looking trim and fit, he had an impressive first match against the Cheetahs.
"It's brilliant to have a quality player like Conrad, particularly as we have lost Gio Aplon to the Springboks and Joe Pietersen has left for overseas."
Despite losing a number of players to the Springboks, Province appear to have depth in all areas.
"Fortunately we have no injuries and the training this week went well," Fleck said.
lions stalk Province
ONE of the big games this weekend in the second round of the Currie Cup is the match between Western Province and the Lions in Cape Town.
ONE of the big games this weekend in the second round of the Currie Cup is the match between Western Province and the Lions in Cape Town.
Both are coming off good wins away from home - Province against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein and the Lions against the Leopards in Rustenburg.
Of all the teams in week one, Province seem to have found their rhythm the quickest. Assistant coach and former Springbok Robbie Fleck puts the good start down to a couple of factors.
"We were expecting a tough game against the Cheetahs as they are never easy to play at home," Fleck told Sowetan yesterday. "We had a good game plan, which the team executed really well and the guys played the percentages."
After a disastrous Super 14 campaign, the Currie Cup Lions are still an unknown quantity with a number of new players in their starting line-up.
"We are definitely expecting a tough game from them. They look rejuvenated in their approach and the new youngsters have definitely made an impact.
"Jaco Taute is explosive in open play and under the new coach (John Mitchell) they seem to have more structure than they did during the Super 14," Fleck said.
One player making a welcome return to top-level rugby after a year on the sidelines because of injury is Conrad Jantjes.
Looking trim and fit, he had an impressive first match against the Cheetahs.
"It's brilliant to have a quality player like Conrad, particularly as we have lost Gio Aplon to the Springboks and Joe Pietersen has left for overseas."
Despite losing a number of players to the Springboks, Province appear to have depth in all areas.
"Fortunately we have no injuries and the training this week went well," Fleck said.