Natal Sharks coach Rudolph Straeuli on Saturday poured cold water over suggestions that his team were "chokers" after they lost their fourth successive final, this time the Currie Cup final against Western Province at Newlands.

The Sharks lost in the final to the Lions in 1999 and to Western Province in 2000, this year's Super 12 final against the Brumbies and now again in the final. But Straeuli rejected the choker tag, saying: "We can win a final. That kind of talk only adds fuel to our fire."

Western Province captain Corne Krige chose to focus on his team's excellent play rather than the Durban-based side's apparent lack of big-match temperament. "It would be unfair to call them chokers, but it is obviously frustrating for them not to lift any silverware."

The match was also the swansong for Western Province duo Braam van Straaten and Charl Marais, with both players heading to England to join Leeds and Sale respectively. Both admitted to feeling the emotions at the adrenalin-charged Newlands.

Van Straaten put in yet another match winning performance, scoring 24 points and helping Western Province to their second successive Currie Cup title.

"I've had a wonderful time at Western Province and when the crowd said goodbye, I felt in my heart that it would be difficult to go," the goalkicking ace said.

"But at the end of the day my family and I need security and I feel my decision is the right one, but I am still keen to play for the Springboks."

Western Province overcame a 17-9 halftime deficit to eventually triumph 29-24 and both Straeuli and Smal believe the turning point in the match came one minute after the break.

The home side scored a try through flyhalf Chris Rossouw and that turned the game for the hosts. "After Chris' try, I knew we would win the game," said Smal.

Straeuli agreed the young pivot's moment of magic was the turning point. "We lost it in the opening minutes of the second half... Western Province showed great character," he said. - Sapa