Defeat to the Sharks in Durban on the weekend will knock Western Province out of the Currie Cup before the semifinal stage.
And that could turn out to be disastrous for coach John Dobson, who has not had any luck with the team since the days of Covid-19.
With the Bulls eating up every single trophy, while playing the Sharks in the finals, Province have quietly sunken deeper and deeper into the abyss.
Of course Dobson is not the only one to blame – the union’s off-field troubles have been well documented.
But a fall guy is needed and more often than not, it’s the coach.
If that is indeed the case, who can Province replace him with?
Let’s take a look at some possibilities.
Peter de Villiers
JUDGING by my small circle of friends, who all used to be crazy about the Streeptruie, interest in WP rugby is on the decline. Big time.
It might have something to do with the Covid lockdown situation and no crowds at games, but it could also be the fact that no one likes to back a losing horse.
That’s why a larger-than-life character is needed and in my books there’s no one better than Peter de Villiers.
A son of the soil, the Paarliet knows what it means to play for Western Province and has a unique ability to get to the core of his players mentally.
On top of that, he is a top international coach who has beaten the British and Irish Lions at the head of South African rugby.
Currently employed to coach the Eastern Province Elephants, De Villiers needs a second bite at the apple on the big stage and who better to give it to him than Western Province?
Yes, he is not a “ja-broer” and that might have the WP hierarchy nervous about employing him, but this is not a time to be selfish.
Appoint Divvy for the fans.
Dave Wessels
THOSE with hawk eyes would have spotted the former Rebels coach in and around the Stormers squad lately.
A Super Rugby coach with overseas experience certainly makes him a strong contender for any job.
But Wessels is from the UCT-school – dieselfde as John Dobson and former coach Robbie Fleck. I feel we need a coach from the northern suburbs of the Mother City now. Or Paarl, selle ding.
Internal option
DOBSON was promoted when Robbie Fleck left the job, and so too was Fleck when Allister Coetzee left.
Therefore, I don’t really see either one of Dawie Snyman, Rito Hlungwane or Labeeb Levy taking the team forward.
We’ve seen that movie and it doesn’t have a satisfying ending.
Jimmy Stonehouse
THERE are rumours that this ou doesn’t take any drama and that is perhaps not the type of coach the usually jovial Capetonians would want.
But the Pumas boss deserves a shot at a bigger union, I do think he has a lot to offer.
As for WP? Nah, gimme Divvy.
Conclusion
THE guys mentioned here are guys who are either free agents or not involved at United Rugby Championship franchises, meaning it shouldn’t be much of a struggle if you were to get any of them.
Yes, it would be harsh to sack a coach during these troubled times, but someone has got to take the fall if WP don’t qualify for the Currie Cup semis.
The only way I see Dobson still at the helm after this season is if Province beat the Sharks on Saturday and make a fight of it in the knockouts.
In essence, Saturday’s showdown in Durban is probably do or die for Dobson.
Come on WP jou lekker ding… or should I be shouting Divvy jou lekker ding?