Western Province coach John Dobson believes his team have turned a corner during their bye week in the Currie Cup.
Province lost their last two matches against the Lions and the Sharks respectively and will have to beat the Pumas at Newlands on Friday if they want to stand a realistic chance of making the playoffs.
Dobson knows his team have underperformed, but says: “We know if we get 15 from the next three games we’re going to be very well positioned.
“That means going to Kimberley [to play Griquas] and they’re already saying it’s going to be the biggest game over there in 30 or 40 years, which is great. And then of course we’re going to Bloem, which is tough for us. But I think we’ve turned a corner.”
First up for Province is a test against the Pumas, who Dobson believes has changed their style of play this year.
Of Friday’s opponents, he says: “The Pumas have changed from their traditional game - they are playing with a lot more width.
“It’s not just [scrumhalf] Stefan Ungerer kicking the ball into the sky - it’s about distance kicking.
“They have big heavy locks, if we can stop that, we’ll be in the mix.
“Set piece will also be another opportunity for us.”