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Salmaan Moerat during a Western Province training session at the High Performance Center in Bellville on November 24, 2020.
Grant Pitcher / Gallo Images
- WP blocking Salmaan Moerat says they have no emotional scars from the recent 39-6 loss to the Bulls in Pretoria.
- The Capetonians have built on the experience of two years ago when they were almost on the receiving end of a notable turnaround from the Bulls.
- According to Moerat, “one week you can dominate and the other week you can be dominated.”
Western Province to block Salmaan moerat insists on his recent hammering at the hands of Bulls will not have an adverse psychological effect on the return this weekend Currie Cup fixture in Newlands.
The Bulls defeated the Stormers 39-6 at Loftus Versfeld in the Super Rugby Unlocked match on October 31, a game that was also stopped after 63 minutes due to a storm.
Now, four weeks later, the Capetonians will have a chance for revenge.
“Obviously it’s very difficult to accept a loss like that, but I clearly remember that after the game one of the things we mentioned was how excited we are that we are getting. [to play them again] within four weeks of that game, “Moerat told reporters at a virtual press conference on Tuesday.
“And here we are now this weekend. It’s an exciting prospect and something we’re really looking forward to. You don’t always get this opportunity. [to redeem yourself so quickly]So we will do our best to be well prepared. “
Western Province will build on the experience of what happened at the 2018 Currie Cup when a turnaround for the Blue Bulls nearly cost them a spot in the final.
In their latest head-to-head clash, John Dobson’s charges defeated the Bulls 34-7 at Pretoria in a game that was also reduced due to adverse weather.
A week later, the Bulls produced a semi-final-inspired performance at Newlands, with WP only winning 35-32 after the game had gone into overtime.
“I actually remember that match quite clearly, and if I’m not mistaken, we went into extra time. It just shows how one week you can dominate and the other week you can be dominated. We are very excited for this weekend. I have really prepared myself. Good. It’s always a huge game against the Bulls. “
Saturday’s game in Newlands takes on additional significance as it could be the last time these old foes meet in Newlands.
Unless they meet there again in the knockout stages, the Bulls will not play in Newlands again as WP Rugby will relocate to Cape Town Stadium after the conclusion of the Currie Cup.
There will be no fans due to the Covid-19 protocols and Moerat said they have looked for alternative ways to get excited.
“It is very different … We have quickly realized that we will not get our energy from the faithful. So we realized that that must come from within our team. That is where the bench comes in: they have made a Big difference in the last two weeks. Just the way they motivate the guys on the side of the field, goes a long way. “
