Photo Credit: Speedshots.co.za
DHL Western Province was often criticised for the "type" of rugby they played although they qualified for a home semi-final after finishing second on the competition log. They lost the semi-final with 09-19 against the Cell C Sharks.
DHL Western Province Head Coach John Dobson said that a big focus on the return to rugby had been on improving the kicking and territory game, which had proven something of a weakness in Vodacom Super Rugby.
The powerful DHL Western Province forward pack dominated the set-piece statistics, with the most effective line-out in the competition and a scrum that was the envy of all their opponents.
“We did not play enough in opposition territory before lockdown and with the move to European competition coming up it is something that we worked particularly hard on.
“While it may not be the most attractive part of the game, it is crucial in order to succeed against European teams in those conditions going forward. We need to be able to play both styles of rugby.
“It paid off in that we made dramatic improvements and won the territory battle in just about every game we played after lockdown in both competitions,” he said.
Dobson added that with the territory game in a good place, the emphasis now will be on creating more rhythm on attack.
“It was a plan in a tough competition, played in tough conditions, but we know we need to develop our attacking game to suit what has always been the DNA of this region.
“We know where we want to go, we have some areas we can improve and that is what we will focus on,” he said.
Although there is still uncertainty about competitions, fixtures and crowd attendance at matches in 2021 due to COVID-19, the DHL Stormers can look forward to playing in a new competition against European opposition and playing their home games at the impressive Cape Town Stadium.
While 2020 was a rugby season like no other, 2021 is also set to see big changes for Western Province Rugby as new frontiers are reached from a new home base.