The Kavaliers' dream season is in danger of coming to an abrupt end when they take on Western Province at Newlands on Saturday. The defeat against the Eagles seriously upset Rudi Joubert's plans and now his team is battling with their backs against the wall.

To reach the semifinals, the visitors must win this one against a Province team who just need one point to secure a home playoff. To beat the star-studded Province at home is a big ask, but last weekend's thumping hasn't dampened the Kavaliers' spirit.

Boland captain Jannie Coetzee epitomises the never-say-die attitude of the Winelanders. "Derbies between the Kavaliers and WP have been closely-fought affairs over the last few years. And our youngsters have played enough Currie Cup rugby now not to be overawed by the big names opposing them. The only positive thing that came out of our defeat against the Eagles is that we are all aware we have a lot of hard work ahead of us.

"If we had won against the Eagles, the possibility was there that some of the younger guys might have developed big heads. Now we know we came down to earth and we know we have to work hard for the Newlands game. We are going flat-out for five points and our goal is to reach the semifinals - we know it's going to be difficult, but in the Bankfin Currie Cup nothing gets served on a silver platter."

Province captain Corne Krige expects a heavy onslaught from the Kavaliers and doesn't think the six changes to their side will disrupt the team too much. "I think the guys who are coming in are as good as the chaps they replace. It's just a matter of how quickly they are going to adapt. We have a very talented squad and we are privileged to have guys on the bench who are as good as those on the field," he said.

The flanker added that everybody in the team is highly motivated to make it a great game. But he has a lot of respect for the "impressive" Kavaliers.

"They are a team with a lot of confidence. I'm a bit scared of them, because I know if you give them a chance on the attack they'll grab it with both hands. That's why we are going to try and shut them down as quickly as possible and not give them any chances."

He doesn't think the Kavaliers are going to try to subdue his team up front. "It's difficult to say, but I think they are going to run the ball. That's the type of game they've played all year long and I can't see how they can change it now."

Krige is aware of what's at stake for the opposition team. "Yes, they are going to come with one helluva onslaught because they still have a chance of making the semifinals. They are going to come at us with everything they've got."

The Cheetahs and Eagles are also in with a chance of qualifying, but Coetzee said they are not worried about what happens in George on Friday. "We know the winner there can pip us to the post, but we want to determine our own fate by beating WP on Saturday."

Teams for Newlands:

Western Province: Percy Montgomery; Jeffrey Stevens, Robbie Fleck, De Wet Barry, Pieter Rossouw, Braam van Straaten, Neil de Kock, Adri Badenhorst, Hendrik Gerber, Corne Krige (capt), Hottie Louw, Quinton Davids, Cobus Visagie, Peter Dixon, Toks van der Linde. Substitutes: Charl Marais, Robbie Kempson, Thys Stoltz, Rob Brink, Dan van Zyl, Chris Rossouw, Breyton Paulse.

Kavaliers: Antonius Verhoeven; John Daniels, Marius Joubert, Wayne Julies, Jan Ackerman; Riaan van Jaarsveld, JP du Plooy; Chris Potgieter, Allen Williams, Jannie Coetzee (capt), Vion Wium, Heino Senekal, Fabian Brandt, Martin van Schalkwyk, Carel van der Merwe. Substitutes: Dale Santon, Tommy Dixon, Randile Julies, Quin Hough, Martin Stander, Connie Malherbe, Lean van Dyk.

Referee: Andre Watson.

Kick-off: 17:05.