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Province lack 'killer instinct'

Province have been guilty of throwing away healthy leads in games they eventually lost and Dobson admits it has been a concerning part of their game, particularly away from home.

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Province need, at the very least, a losing bonus point in Durban to remain in the top four and they require victory if they are to host one of the semifinals.

"Our away results have been dreadful," said Dobson. "Other than the first game [a 17-30 loss to the Free State Cheetahs] where we went up there with very much a hybrid team as we called it at the time, every game that we lost at some stage we were leading by10 or more points and I don't see it as a conditioning thing. 

Province lack 'killer instinct'"It just seems sometimes we lacked a killer instinct to finish. Last week [a 20-29 loss to the Golden Lions] we were leading up to the 73rd minute. 

"Against the Bulls, we were up 13 points three times and we ended up having to score in the last minute, so there is a concern about away games. 

"The is a desperation to correct the wrongs of last week [against the Lions], which I think will see us through that crisis this week."

Entering the clash in Durban, Province will know that their destiny is still in their own hands.

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"We put ourselves in this position because it has been frustrating after last week where we should have secured a home semifinal by now.

"I got no doubt that we are up for this game and we are looking forward to it. 

"We can't go and rely on those crazy results. It is completely in our hands, even one point [is needed]. So, we are going to go up there and play," he added.

Meanwhile, Dobson has surprised by bringing in Ruhan Nel in the midfield for the clash. Regular starter EW Viljoen has been included on the bench.

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"There is a concern about EW and how much he has played. He has played every Super Rugby game, every one of these games [Currie Cup] except for the first game against the Cheetahs. 

"He has got a couple of niggles and we felt the Sharks are going to present a big physical threat.

"Ruhan Nel is a very competitive physical beast. He played very well at No.12 in the National Rugby Challenge. We also felt as part of the strategy we want to give Huw Jones a bit more space to attack and that was the reason for the move." said Dobson.

By Warren Fortune

@FortuneWarren

@rugby365com

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