By Adam Sheldon

Wests coach Elwee Prinsloo says he’s confident his side will bounce back against UQ at home this weekend, following a shock three-point defeat to Easts in round two of the Hospital Cup. 

Speaking to Rugby News, Prinsloo praised Easts for their win, but believed Wests had enough chances to win the game, which finished 31-28 in Easts’ favour.

“We have a brand-new squad – in the last two games, I have handed out 12 debuts,” Prinsloo said. 

“It will take a little bit of time for us to find our feet. In saying that, we could have won the game on Saturday. At the minimum, we could have drawn the game at the end. We had chances to take three points which we turned up. 

“I refuse to play for draws, especially at this time of the season.”

With Wests contesting three consecutive grand finals, Prinsloo admitted he and his team expected to “turn up and win each week”, and added they had extra motivation this weekend after the loss to Easts.

“We don’t make a secret of it – that’s the expectation I put on the boys,” Prinsloo said.

“100 percent we are motivated to bounce back. As I said, it’s really important we win each week. When you win almost every week for four years, it becomes part of your culture.”

Despite this, Prinsloo said Wests were weary of a wounded UQ outfit, who have started the season with consecutive losses. 

“Playing UQ is always a tough game for us. They are always really fit and have quick players. They are good in the ruck. It will be a different challenge to Easts, but we are ready,” he said. 

“You can’t take too much out of the first two games. UQ played on wet grounds; I don’t think they are a wet-weather team. If it’s on a dry track, UQ will be really dangerous.”

The Wests coach said the game would be won off a strong performance from his forward pack. 

“It’s like any game – it starts up front. We always refer to the saying, ‘the forwards will win you the game, and the backs will determine by how much’,” he said.

“I think this is the scenario going into the game. If we can by physical, it will establish a good platform for us to play off, and allow our backs to have a crack.”

Prinsloo pinpointed off-season recruit Denzel Samoa, and former Super Rugby player Angelo Smith as players to watch this weekend. 

“I’m a big fan of Denzel Samoa. He’s a league player that has just joined us. He’s still quite raw. With a few years of union, I think he could go very far. He’s an athlete – he’s strong, fast and skilful,” Prinsloo said. 

“The other obvious one is Angelo Smith. He played with the Rebels, and then he went to the Waratahs, and things went a bit pear-shaped for him. We kind of found him and he’s back enjoying his footy. To have someone like that around with the group is amazing.” 

Aside from the obvious goals of winning a premiership in 2025, Prinsloo said he strived to create an environment where his players “could take the next step in their rugby careers”.

“Over the last four of five years, we’ve had some success with promoting guys to Super Rugby and Japan, as well as other levels in France,” he said. 

“I get a real kick out of seeing someone come through our program and make it to the big stage, whether it’s a young player coming through, or maybe someone who missed out on a contract and wants to return to the professional level again.”