The playoff match against the two coastal giants, who finished second and third on the log respectively, is scheduled to kick off at 16h30 at DHL Newlands on Satuday.

Following last week’s postponement of the play-offs by seven days as a precautionary measure due to COVID-19, the DHL Western Province squad’s training schedule for the week was adjusted accordingly.

Players trained in smaller groups of five, without rugby balls, and maintained social distancing as the Capetonians put in extra effort to ensure that as many of their players as possible are available for semi-final selection this week.

DHL Western Province head coach John Dobson said that their focus was on keeping the players conditioned while they took all possible precautions to minimise any potential COVID-19 impact.

“We have earned the right to host a Carling Currie Cup semi-final at DHL Newlands and we wanted to do everything we can to put out a strong team for that game,” said Dobson.

“We are fortunate that we had done a lot of technical analysis on the Cell C Sharks in preparation for our final league game against them which was cancelled.

“The players were doing a lot of analysis of their own and we held regular meetings online, while we limited physical interaction as much as possible.

“SA Rugby deserve enormous credit for how they have got rugby back on the field and to the sharp end of this great competition. I think we are very grateful for that, as unusual as its been.”

Dobson added that the entire squad were very excited for game week and getting stuck into preparing for what will be a great occasion at DHL Newlands.

“Our players and coaches cannot wait to get stuck in and ensure that the team that runs out at DHL Newlands is as well-prepared as possible,” he said.