The Cell C Sharks will prepare for the Stormers match at Growthpoint KINGS PARK this Saturday with a mix of respect for the opposition, and confidence from our bonus point win over the Sunwolves this past weekend.
“It was our first bonus point win, so we’re very happy with that and it was nice to get the win under the belt after the slip-up against the Kings, explains forwards coach Ryan Strudwick. “Now it’s about carrying on with the momentum we were trying to create before that.
“There were a lot of positives to take out of the game, especially the last bit. The three tries in the last few minutes were definitely a highlight for us going forward. It just shows what we can do when we put our minds to it.”
With three matches in the Vodacom Super Rugby pool stages remaining, all at home, it was vital to not only win, but win well and take confidence into the final phase as well as play some good rugby.
As far as the team’s progress is going, there is much to commend.
In terms of defence, he is generally happy with where the team is, although it is individual errors, rather than a team thing that is letting them down. The desire is to avoid conceding soft tries.
“We have the best tackle completion in the competition, but it doesn’t always paint the full picture. Against the Reds in the opening game, our tackle completion was 93% yet we conceded four tries. In terms of points for and against, we’re sitting in the top half which is good.”
And on attack, there are encouraging signs, although he admits there is plenty more work ahead of them to get to where they want and need to be.
“We showed glimpses of playing great rugby and going forward, it’s getting better and better. But if we’re to make the play-offs and probably meet the Kiwi teams, we still have a long way to go if we want to beat them.”
The Stormers embrace and commit to attacking rugby, although they conceded more points than they would have liked in their three matches against New Zealand teams (in New Zealand).
“They have some dangerous players on attack, with some formidable forwards, big ball carriers. So if they get momentum going, they are dangerous. If we can stop their key players, it will be a bit more difficult for them to get their attack going. The teams that beat them, stopped their momentum, put them under pressure and the challenge for us is to do the same.”
All teams are dangerous on turnover ball, the Stormers no less, and Strudwick explains that it’s all about attacking with accuracy and composure.
“Everyone wants to play this attacking game and that means ball in hand, but one of our weaknesses this year has been coughing up possession. We are improving and our handling errors are coming down so hopefully this weekend we hold on to the ball more, so we don’t have to tackle as much.”
Examining his pack, he admits to being very comfortable with where matters lie.
“We have a nice balance in our pack with good competition, so if they put pressure on each other, they keep performing. They’re all putting pressure on each other, so one slip-up when you’re off your game and another guy is ready to slip in. It’s keeping everyone on their toes.”
Those same forwards will look to prove themselves in the set-piece battle this weekend, one that is sure to be physical, combative and competitive.
“The Stormers are tough, they rate themselves both in the scrums and lineouts – it is going to be a massive battle. And they try to dominate you physically from a set—piece point of view, so if we don’t front up, it’s going to be a long day at the office. But we have the pack to do that, as long as everyone steps up, we shouldn’t have any issues.
“We are quite upbeat about scoring six tries this past weekend, the confidence is up and we want to score tries. We will go out there with an attacking mindset first and foremost this weekend and then look to stop the threat of their attack.”
The post Maintaining Progress appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
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