Western Province are confident that they can record their first win of the Currie Cup on Saturday when they face the defending champions the Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

Province head to Bloemfontein on the back of a 30-25 defeat to the Blue Bulls on Sunday and they will be desperate for a win.

All indications suggest that it will be a warmer and dry day for the game and this could lead to running rugby by both teams.

The Province assistant coach, Norman Laker, told OFM Sport that they will face a tricky opponent, but they are confident.

“They are a quality team, especially after Franco Smith and Hawies Fourie laid a good foundation for the team when it comes to the counterattack and putting teams under pressure with ball in hand,” said Laker.

“It's never easy in Bloemfontein, but we've also had success there in the past with certain things that we do and we've got right. So we're looking forward to the challenge.”

Laker added that the Currie Cup is a tough competition, especially against the Free State.

The competition has become tough, because for the Cheetahs it’s the be-all and end-all, and it’s the same for us,” Laker added.

“In the past few years, we’ve used the youngsters and up-and-coming players to make sure that we build on our depth for the United Rugby Championship and the Champions Cup.

“It’s never easy going to Bloem, but with the team we’ve got now, we’re confident that we can do the job on Saturday.

Saturday’s match at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 13:55.

Cheetahs centre Ali Mgijima and coach Izak van der Westhuizen ahead of Western Province challenge.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport