Cell C Sharks vs Emirates Lions:
Saturday’s Vodacom Super Rugby derby match against the Emirates Lions has been likened to a final, given how important this and the final two pool matches are for the Cell C Sharks’ aspirations.
The teams are all back to full squads now and with three weeks remaining ahead of the pool stages, there is everything to play for.
Head coach Robert du Preez said the return of the Springbok players would boost the morale in the team ahead of this vital Super Rugby clash.
“It’s been fantastic to have the Boks back, especially after the series win against England. There is a lot of confidence and they brought a fantastic vibe and energy back with them to the training field.”
With the congestion on the log table and the fight for a place in the knock-out rounds, there is pressure on all the teams in the running – not just the Cell C Sharks, something du Preez is well aware of.
“We are going into the defining part of our season, this is it. Every game is of great importance, we have to win each one. But we aren’t looking any further than this game, it’s a big one.”
After the month-long break when the team and coaches had time to reflect back on what had gone before them, as well as what is required going forward, consistently good performances will be the highest goal.
“We know that through the course of the season there’s been a lack of consistency, we played some great games then there were some mediocre ones,” he explained. “But that’s all in the past now. This is finals rugby for us.”
The Lions haven’t lost to a South African side in the last three years which shows just how well and with confidence the team has been playing. This year is no different but du Preez admitted that the team’s focus is on themselves and performing to a level they aspire to.
“We will stick to what we have to do,” he said. “We know the Lions’ style of play but this is all about us and what we want to do.
“The Lions have been one of our toughest opponents over the years, this match is going to be really big.”
Prop Beast Mtawarira fresh off earning his 100th Test cap for the Springboks said the Bok players were thrilled to be back in the comfort of the home environment, now ready to shift their attention to Vodacom Super Rugby after the successful test series against England.
“It’s great to be back home, we’re all looking forward to putting the Sharks jersey back on and performing in front of our fans,” he said.
“It’s always awesome to play at home at JONSSON KINGS PARK and now it’s time to get back into the competition and make a noise.
“Saturday is going to be a final for us, we need to make sure we produce the goods.”
The post Cell C Sharks vs Emirates Lions appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
Although the Springbok players in the Cell C Sharks’ camp have had rugby action over the past few weeks, many of the players in the squad haven’t, but with three rounds of Vodacom Super Rugby remaining in the pool stages, the excitement levels are high.
Cell C Sharks assistant coach Braam van Straaten explained that although there are different levels of game fitness in the team, the management has tried to take that into account in their planning for the return to action, with the Lions in their crosshairs.
And although the Springbok players would have been playing for a different team in June, the re-introduction of those players is expected to be seamless.
“There are a number of similarities in the way we play between the Cell C Sharks and Springbok teams, we are quite direct and Springbok defence coach Jacques Neinaber has spent time here, so there is some synergy,” he pointed out.
“And the boys who haven’t played for some time will be nice and fresh and raring to go. The key during the June break has been to keep those players fresh and get lots of work done and the past few weeks have been good in that regard. Last Saturday some of the players got the opportunity to play in the Super Sport Rugby Challenge which was also really good for us.
“What’s been wonderful is the process that’s in place that got these players to perform to a level that got them selected for the Springbok team. We haven’t had the results we would have liked, there’s been some inconsistency, as a group, but it is something that we are addressing to see how we can be better, week in and week out. It’s a tough competition, but we are really happy to have given those players the opportunity to play at a higher level. Not only is it a personal accolade for them, but they bring a huge amount of energy back into the camp when they return.
Although the Springbok players have a reduced workload this week in the lead up to the match against the Lions, van Straaten denied that this would have a negative effect on the team’s preparations for the match.
“It’s not that big a disruption, it’s not like they haven’t been training or playing. Having 11 guys with the Boks is a really good thing for us here at the Cell C Sharks.”
With the final three matches of Vodacom Super Rugby, there is no denying the pressure that remains – for all teams (including the Cell C Sharks) all vying for the best finish in the pool stages.
“This is a proud group of players and a proud union and they will definitely bring it these last few weeks,” he said.
“We have a few difficult games, the Lions at home first up, a quality side and it’s going to be tough. Then we have the Stormers down at Newlands and they have nothing to lose. Finally the Jaguares who have been playing out of their skin this season.
“We have to make sure we hold on to the ball and play to potential to have a realistic chance in the play-offs.”
The post Raring to Go appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
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