Considering their long history of success, another year without Currie Cup glory could be disasterous for Western Province, writes iafrica.com guest columnist Jacob Nienaber.

A huge tackle by American Todd Clever saw the culmination of a manful cameo performance by the already ousted Golden Lions, in the process setting up two epic semifinal encounters as we head to the summit of this year's Currie Cup.

The highlight of the weekend will be the age-old South African dogfight of South vs. North - Western Province vs. the Blue Bulls.

Since the success of 2001, indignant WP fans have had to watch as their hopes are crippled by inconsistent performances from their team year on year. Being a heavyweight union in terms of structure and finance, there is no excuse that WP does not feature when the spoils are there for the taking.

Considering WP’s rich tradition and their accolade of sporting the most titles in Currie Cup history, it is not surprising that even former Province legends have reserved their optimism in recent times. The record reads: not one final appearance in the past seven years.

A new era for WP rugby?

This year has seen a resurgent Western Province put the smiles back on their frenzied fans' faces though - a year when plans started coming together, as the A-team would say.

Coach Allister Coetzee, forwards technician Matt Proudfoot, coming-of-age captain Luke Watson and the wily Rassie Erasmus in the background have been key ingredients in their success this season. Even the tight-five shortcomings of recent years have been rectified.

All Black man-mountain Chris Jack was recruited at lock for a half-season stint and made an immediate impact alongside ex-Lion Anton van Zyl. Members of the front row Brok Harris and Wicus Blaauw have shaken off their ‘milkbeards’ and Tiaan Liebenberg’s strength completes a formidable front trio.

In the backrow, Watson is playing the best rugby of his career, while young Duane Vermeulen’s all-round performances have confirmed his tremendous talent.

At the back, rookie Juan de Jongh has been impressive at inside centre, while the industrious Joe Pietersen might just be the Currie Cup player of the season so far.

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