The Cell C Sharks have built up a nice head of steam in the opening two rounds of this year’s Vodacom Super Rugby competition and will be looking to maintain this momentum in Saturday’s derby clash with the Stormers at JONSSON KINGS PARK.
Once more, head coach Robert du Preez has the good fortune of being able to name an unchanged side. Last week he stuck to the same starting XV with changes amongst the replacements, but this week has not altered the match 23.
It’s just reward for the outstanding effort each player put in, and as that old saying goes, ‘Don’t fix what ain’t broke.’
There was some concern after Sbu Nkosi was stretchered from the field in last week’s win over the Blues, but it was more precautionary and the dreadlocked speedster has suffered no ill effects as he takes his position on the wing.
After two wins, the signs are there that the team is on the right track: has the squad, the individual talent, the game plan and above all, the desire. The Stormers will pose a different challenge to what’s gone before, but no doubt, as derby matches go, this game will be intense.
“We couldn’t ask for much better that the two big wins, it’s a confidence booster for us going into this week’s match against the Stormers,” explains Cell C Sharks centre Lukhanyo Am of the season so far.
“Like us, the Stormers have a big pack and a good backline, we know we need to pitch up as far as physicality goes.”
The Stormers, with a won-one-lost-one record, will be hoping to build on a courageous performance against the Lions last week, managing to pip the Joburg side at the death.
They’re a quality side, always competitive, and with the Cell C Sharks’ desire to maintain the form that has seen us gaining maximum points from our opening two fixtures, this makes for a worthy tussle between the old foes.
The action kicks off at 5.15pm on Saturday afternoon.
The Cell C Sharks
1. Tendai Mtawarira
2. Akker van der Merwe
3. Coenie Oosthuizen
4. Hyron Andrews
5. Ruan Botha
6. Jacques Vermeulen
7. Tyler Paul
8. Daniel du Preez
9. Louis Schreuder (C)
10. Robert du Preez
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Andre Esterhuizen
13. Lukhanyo Am
14. Sbu Nkosi
15. Aphelele Fassi
Replacements
16. Kerron van Vuuren
17. Juan Schoeman
18. Thomas du Toit
19. Gideon Koegelenberg
20. Phepsi Buthelezi
21. Cameron Wright
22. Jeremy Ward
23. Curwin Bosch
The post Maintaining Momentum appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
After maximum log points from two outings and two points clear of the second placed Crusaders, the Cell C Sharks team find themselves at the top of the Vodacom Super Rugby table.
Whilst it’s still early days, it’s a good sign that the team has a plan and is following it.
“We are settling in nicely in the competition and the boys are feeling great,” admits Cell C Sharks assistant coach Jaco Pienaar in the lead-up to the Stormers match at JONSSON KINGS PARK this Saturday. “We know there is still room for improvement, but at this stage, we’re very happy with where we are.
“For us, those improvements are all about understanding what we want to achieve and keeping to the plan for 80 minutes.”
While this is a team sport and a 23 man effort from the Cell C Sharks is why they have been so successful to date, combine an uncompromising forward pack with an exciting backline and we have the makings of something special.
“The platform is laid up front and the forwards needs to work hard there to give the backs quality ball so that we can play some rugby,” he explains.
“One of our strengths at the Cell C Sharks is that we have really physical players, a big pack of forwards with powerful backs and it’s all about getting the gain-line momentum going and the little things right.”
After losing heavily to the Vodacom Bulls (40-3) in the opening round, the DHL Stormers hit back against the Emirates Lions this past weekend, winning 19-17. There is no denying the quality in the Cape side and they will look to string together two good performances in a row which obviously means they have the Cell C Sharks in their sights.
“They have great players, this is a special team and they will always be tough opposition when they pitch so we know we can expect anything from them,” says Pienaar.
“They’re similar to us in that they have powerful forwards with a great backline that can score from anywhere. They’re a well-rounded team that plays good rugby.”
A third successive win would do great service to the Cell C Sharks cause, but log matters aside, it’s all about the performance and building continuity in play and momentum in results.
“We have a few small things we need to fix, we know we can improve from the Blues game so that’s our focus.”
While the Stormers are an acknowledged threat, the Cell C Sharks know exactly what needs to be done and how to do it. The team has the firepower and will look to unleash it at JONSSON KINGS PARK on Saturday.
Kick-off is 5.15pm.
The post Sticking to the Plan appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
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