Western Province coach thinks offensive attacks will dominate Currie Cup final
Western Province assistant coach Robbie Fleck predicts that a Currie Cup final this weekend against the Sharks will offer offensive attacks, rather than defensive efforts, from the two tough
teams.
A former Springbok centre, Fleck wouldn't dismiss the value of defense, but busied himself with thoughts on the game's growing tendency to favour the attacking side, led in part by the offensive
attacks of the Sharks.
"We think that we know what’s coming our way and they [the Sharks] play a great brand of rugby and put you under massive pressure by keeping the ball in hand and starving
you of possession.
"They defiantly play a modern brand of the game, similar to the way the All Blacks have been playing and we feel the best way to counter that is by keeping the ball
ourselves."
Fleck also said that he thinks this year's Cup final will be packed with excitement because both Western Province and the Sharks want to retain possession, instead of
kicking for territory.
Strategies have been planned following a two week-build up for the match with the two teams hoping to win the coveted trophy for their hard efforts.
"It’s been a great build up and we have the time to do some planning and now we are working on the emotional and mental side of things. As we get closer the intensity will pick up and I'm sure by the time we arrive in Durban the guys
will be nice and revved up for the game."
In the history of the Currie Cup tournament, Western Province and the Sharks have played each other in the final only four times. But between them, they have 26 cup finals over the last 40 years, indicating the dominance of each outfit.
Fleck offered an analysis on the match. "This is going to be a great final in the sense that both teams will look to keep the ball and there will be more of an element of risk.
"The more tackles you force on the opposition the better it is for you and if you kick the ball away unnecessarily, a team like the Sharks will punish you."
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