Cell C Sharks vs. Vodacom Blue Bulls:
The Cell C Sharks get our Currie Cup campaign off to a tough start against the Vodacom Blue Bulls on Saturday afternoon at JONSSON KINGS PARK, knowing that a good start to the tournament is imperative.
Head coach Robert du Preez said on the eve of the match that he was looking forward to welcoming the Blue Bulls to Durban and getting the tournament under way.
“We have a nice blend of experienced players and youngsters and I’m very excited to see how they go against the Bulls,” he explained.
Talking experience, du Preez has been able to select the likes of captain Chiliboy Ralepelle, Daniel du Preez, Louis Schreuder, Robert du Preez, Curwin Bosch and Lwazi Mvovo, all Springboks. Sadly, the fourth of the du Preez links – Jean-Luc – will be unavailable for the duration of the Currie Cup.
“He has a long standing groin issue that needs sorting out so he’s gone for an operation to sort out what appears to be a sportsman’s hernia and he’ll be out for the next two months,” the coach confirmed.
Captain Chiliboy Ralepelle admitted that having senior players around him could only bode well for the team.
“Because responsibility and leadership is being shared throughout the whole squad, that makes my job as captain much easier. Each individual understands his roles and responsibilities within the squad.”
After the warm-up match against Bordeaux Begles last Friday night, the coach has had to cut some players from the squad, but he admitted that it was no easy exercise.
“There are guys who aren’t in the Currie Cup squad who are very unlucky not to be there, but they have created strong competition for places within the squad and that’s always good.
“It’s not easy to keep everyone happy because those who miss out will obviously be disappointed, rightly so, but as long as it creates a positive environment and that’s exactly what we’ll need if we want to win the competition.”
Taking lessons from recent past, the coach identified two factors that they will look to fix this campaign.
“What we’ve learned is that when you create opportunities in rugby, you have to convert them; there have been too many opportunities going begging. When you have hiccups in the game, you have to deal with them immediately then move on. You can’t dwell on them.”
Following the warm-up match performances, the coach said he believed that this is a Cell C Sharks side capable of great things.
“On paper, it certainly looks like we have the squad to win the Currie Cup, but we have to physically go out and do it on the field.
“This is a short season and we have to hit the road running, we can’t miss a beat. But there is great spirit in the team and I’m really excited to see how the boys go.”
The excitement is tempered with a dose of reality when looking at the Blue Bulls. They opened their Currie Cup account with a comfortable 34-12 victory over Free State and will come to Durban with a measure of confidence.
“The Bulls are a formidable side who have players back in the team from injury, it’s going to be a tough contest. They played really well against Free State.”
The post Cell C Sharks vs. Vodacom Blue Bulls appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
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