Robert du Preez has made a few changes to the Cell C Sharks team to play the Waratahs at KINGS PARK on Saturday, with a huge performance required against the visiting Australians.
Not only is it an opportunity to pick up vital log points as the primary aim, so too is the need for the pack to show their potential; especially at the set scrums. Then there is the opportunity and challenge for the individual players to cement their positions in the team ahead of the overseas tour. The youngsters will be testing themselves against top class opposition and finally, the desire to turn KINGS PARK into a home fortress.
Beast Mtawarira has returned to the starting line-up after having played off the bench in the first game. “We needed to limit his game time because he only joined us late after an extended break, but he’s ready to go now and he’s looked fantastic in practice,” explains head coach Robert du Preez. “We’re really looking forward to having him back in the starting line-up.”
The coach confirms that Philip van der Walt unfortunately hurt his ankle in training and while it wasn’t too serious – a ligament strain – he is out of action for a couple of weeks.
“Mapimpi is being rested, he has played a lot of rugby and we believe we needed to give him a break before we go on tour and Dan hurt his shoulder and should be in contention to go on tour.
“Louis Schreuder has made really good progress and we’re happy to give him a start. Having said that, Cameron Wright has improved for us, he’s done really well in every game. It’s great to have two top scrumhalves in the squad.”
Although a bye in week two has debatable advantages and disadvantages, the timing of the Cell C Sharks’ break proved fortuitous.
“We used the time well in the off week, but also time for guys with niggles or flu to recover properly. We trained well and the boys are really excited about the challenge tomorrow. It’s a massive one for us, our first home game and all our home games are going to be really important.
“It’s huge, we need to have a great performance.”
One area the coach will be looking for improvement is at scrum-time. Loosehead prop Beast Mtawarira explains that his pack of forwards are disappointed in what happened against the Lions, but they will be looking to right the wrongs against the Waratahs.
“Obviously we weren’t happy with our performance against the Lions in the first game, but we did a lot of hard work during the pre-season and we’ll continue that, looking for cohesion in the pack.
“It’s something we want to rectify this weekend. We’re taking it personally.”
The Waratahs already have a win under their belt courtesy of a late try against the Stormers last weekend to secure victory in their season-opener, and they will come to Durban with confidence.
“I haven’t seen too many weaknesses,” du Preez admits of the opposition. “They’re a team that has improved substantially from last year, they have guys who play with x-factor. It’s going to be a very tough encounter; it’s always tough against the Waratahs and we expect nothing different.”
But the challenge for the Sharks youngsters, while significant and possibly imposing, is an exciting one, an opportunity to prove their worth.
“That’s what this competition is all about: testing yourself against some of the best players in the world and the Waratahs certainly have a few in their team.”
The match kicks off at 3.05pm.
The post Cell C Sharks vs Waratahs appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
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