Finding ways to win tough matches is the mark of a side that has progressed to a level where they don’t simply implement a game plan, but understand how the game plan will influence the outcome of the match.
In the Cell C Sharks Currie Cup victory over the Blue Bulls at Growthpoint KINGS PARK on Saturday, bad weather made ball-handling extremely difficult for both sides, but ultimately a game plan based around lowered risk and territorial advantage laid the platform for the team’s success against a highly competitive Blue Bulls side that failed to adapt to the conditions as well.
The boot of Curwin Bosch, aided by the dominant platform laid down by the tireless forwards kept the visitors under pressure and forced mistakes that kept them chasing a game they were competitive in, but ultimately outplayed.
“I’m pleased with the win and pleased with the way the boys found a way to win in difficult circumstances against a side that had a lot to prove and who needed the win as much as we did,” said head coach Robert du Preez after the match.
“We knew it was going to rain, we prepared for it and I thought we executed the game plan sufficiently, albeit there were still some missed opportunities. But I am happy with the result.”
He felt that flyhalf Curwin Bosch controlled the game well with his booming boot, forcing the opposition to continually drop their heads in frustration as play regularly reverted back deep in Bulls territory.
“He was very good,” said du Preez. “I said to him before the match that this weather would suit his game and it did.”
The Cell C Sharks coach was also very happy with the effort from the forwards who gave the Blue Bulls a torrid time at set-piece time. The visitors’ lineout and scrum was under pressure the entire game and it counted.
“I was very pleased with the dominance our forwards showed, especially at scrum time, although I thought we were a bit unlucky not to get more reward from our dominant scrum.”
This Cell C Sharks win consigned the Blue Bulls to their sixth loss in the tournament with three games remaining for the Pretoria side and a lot to do to work their way from second last (of seven teams) into a top four finish.
Our ninth consecutive win reinforced our position at the top of the log, guaranteeing a home semi-final with two more games remaining before the semi-finals, against the Golden Lions and Western Province.
We will host the Lions in the penultimate match of the Currie Cup pool stages this weekend with du Preez confirming that he should have pretty much a full squad to select from.
As far as injuries are concerned, there is just one complaint.
“[Centre] Jeremy Ward took a knock to his AC Joint in the shoulder, but it doesn’t look too serious so hopefully he’ll be alright, although I’m not sure if he will be ready for next week.”
The post Executing the Game Plan appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
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