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Krige: Carr key to a WP win

Cape Town - Former Springbok and Western Province captain Corne Krige says it's important for WP that Nizaam Carr plays in the Currie Cup final against the Golden Lions at Newlands on Saturday.

Carr left the field early in last week's semi-final against the Blue Bulls with a hip injury. The Western Province medical team is optimistic that the No 8 will be ready for Saturday's final, which Krige believes will be determined by the battle of the loose trios.

In an interview with SA Rugbymag, Krige says the loose forwards will decide "who rules the roost on Saturday".

He feels both tight fives are very similar and therefore feels the loose forwards must lay a platform from which their halfbacks can strike.

He says it would be of utmost importance for both teams to strike when they're in the red zone. He referred to the try Lions scrumhalf Ross Cronje scored against the Sharks last week - which was set up by flank Jaco Kriel - as an example of how the loosies can set it up for the men outside them.

Krige said it's hard not to pick the Lions as "clear-cut favourites" after their 50-20 mauling of the Sharks last week, but believes WP's home ground advantage will level the playing field.

And if Carr is raring to go, then Krige would opt for a six-point victory for WP, "because Newlands is such a tough away venue."

The last time Western Province and the Lions met in a Currie Cup final was way back in 1986, when the hosts beat the then Transvaal 22-9 at Newlands.

Kick-off for Saturday's clash is scheduled for 17:00.


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