The fact that Fedsure Western Province have yet to put together a really compelling performance is not a worry to skipper Corne Krige.

In fact, the flanker is of the opinion it could work to his team's benefit in Saturday's vital Currie Cup clash with the Blue Bulls in Pretoria.

Krige said despite the unconvincing display against the Border Bulldogs last week, his charges are in a positive mood before taking on the old enemy. "All the guys are really positive. Sometimes it is a positive thing if you don't play your best rugby early on in the Currie Cup.

"I think we haven't yet played the type of rugby we are capable of and that is why the focus will be right. The intensity will there. A lot of times the focus and intensity aren't there after a really good performance, as we've seen last year when we beat the Lions in a good display and fell flat against the Sharks the next week.

"However, what I'm really looking forward to is measuring us against a good side. Win or lose, it doesn't matter. At least we will know where we stand and going into the Top Eight will know where to improve and what to do."

The Springbok says things are falling into place as far as combinations and interplay are concerned after the international players came back. "I think we started to gel last week already, but during the game it all went haywire again. We trained well this week and hopefully this week we will put everything together."

Western Province supporters were made to reach for the heart pills this season because of the high-risk attitude of the team. They are not scared to run the ball from deep within their own territory and they are not scared to throw those 50-50 passes. Krige says the carefree attitude has been a bit of a problem.

"That is our problem. We conceded three intercept tries in our last two games. Maybe sometimes we want to do too much and force the pass. I don't want the guys to go back into their shells; I just want them to be more careful. We need to read the game better and show better judgment and that is what we intent doing on Saturday."

The Bulls are renowned for their attacking play and with Frikkie Welsh, Joost van der Westhuizen, Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Hannes Venter and Gavin Passens in fine form, an exciting game is in the offing.

Krige agrees: "I think we are going to see a very open game. That is how the Bulls have been playing all season long and that's how Heyneke wants them to play. But in a big game like this there is always a bit more conservatism and that will be there. But if the game opens up later we will see some fantastic attacking rugby."

The captain has a lot of respect for the resurgent Bulls, but is quietly confident of a victory. "We have a lot of ammunition, but we have to get it together on the day. It doesn't help much to have a good side on paper and you cannot do your thing on the field. However, I am very positive that we have the players and the game to beat them at Loftus," he said.

He said the fact that the Bulls are the opposition will be added motivation. "We must also see it as our first game of the Top Eight. If we can take these points through to the Top Eight we will be in a very good position. So we know it is a crucial game."