CAPE TOWN - Western Province coach John Dobson says their 38-12 Currie Cup win over Griquas felt like a loss after the game. Province produced an attacking masterclass in the first half as they ran in six superb tries.
In fact, their performance in the first 40 was so good that the crowd of five and a half thousand probably expected another 60-pointer. But their second half was marred by ill-discipline and a resulting high penalty count.
"Our discipline in the second half... we gave away 18 penalties. If you go back to 1891 you won't find a team who'd win the Currie Cup conceding 18 penalties," Dobson lamented.
"I'm very, very frustrated with the interpretation around scrummaging. It just seemed to be a bit of a lottery at scrum time. That put is under a bit of pressure. So ja, our discipline (let us down), and we just didn't have the ball in the second half."
The hosts' big first-half outing was reduced to a mostly defensive display after the break as they didn't see a lot of the ball. And their solid defence, after they slipped off a few tackles in their demolition of the Golden Lions at Ellis Park the previous week, was a pleasing aspect for Dobson.
"I thought one of the things we wanted to correct after Ellis park was our defence, and I think there was a lot of good defensive efforts. In the first half I think we saw the team that we saw in the first three games of the competition, which made me happy," he said. "I just felt really bad cause you could sense the crowd were enjoying it. We feel like it was a loss, but I guess there's lots to be happy about."
WP top the standings after four big wins and a massive points difference of 114, while their next opposition, the Sharks, are in second spot.
Airmail delivery from Sergeal Petersen at #DHLNewlands. #DHLWP on fire in the first half against Tafel Lager Griquas. Pic: @callsignvector pic.twitter.com/0xEBJMmMV9