As Boland heads into the semi-finals of the Currie Cup, the team remains unbeaten, boasting an impeccable record with 5 out of 5 wins. With 40 tries and a points difference of 176 over 100 points more than their closest competitors, Eastern Province (EP) and the Valke—Boland has shown exceptional dominance throughout the season. However, Coach Hawies Fourie maintains a cautious and strategic outlook as they prepare to face SWD this weekend.
Reflecting on Success and Preparing for the Challenge
In an exclusive interview, Coach Fourie shared his thoughts on the team’s journey so far and the upcoming semi-final match. Despite Boland’s impressive season, he emphasizes that past achievements do not guarantee future success.
“Unfortunately, everything we achieved up to now doesn’t count for anything going into the semifinals. We play SWD, and they had a very good finish to the season,” said Fourie.
He acknowledged SWD’s resilience and highlighted their near-victory against the Falcons in George and their impressive win against the Leopards in Potchefstroom. “They will be full of confidence. They finished strong in both their last two games, so they will be a tough opponent.”
Areas for Improvement
When asked about areas for improvement, Fourie pointed to the need for maintaining composure and finishing games strong, citing a lapse against the Leopards. “In most of the games, maybe except the Leopards game where we lost a bit of composure and didn’t finish the game as well. So that’s something we will work on this week to make sure that we keep our momentum and don’t let the opposition back in the game in the last 20 minutes.”
Adapting to Weather Conditions
Weather can often play a significant role in rugby matches, and this weekend’s semi-final is no exception. “At the moment, the forecast is that we will have clear skies. No rain on Saturday, but there will be a bit of rain during the week leading up to the semi-final, and the field will definitely be wet and heavy,” Fourie explained. He noted that Boland is fortunate to be able to train on their home field, which has experienced a wet winter, allowing the team to adapt their tactics accordingly.
Season Highlights and Looking Ahead
Boland’s unbeaten streak is a testament to their robust performance throughout the season. Notable victories include decisive wins over the Falcons and the Leopards, with standout performances from key players driving the team’s success. As they prepare for the semi-finals, maintaining their strategic focus and adapting to both their opponents and conditions will be crucial.
In summary, Coach Hawies Fourie remains focused and grounded as Boland prepares to face SWD in the semi-finals. With an unbeaten record and a team full of confidence, the stage is set for an exciting match that promises to be a highlight of the Currie Cup season. Boland supporters and rugby enthusiasts alike will be eagerly watching to see if the team can continue their winning streak and advance to the finals.