Having analysed the match against the Lions last weekend, the Cell C Sharks know that there are certain things they need to do better, particularly with the carrot that dangles so tantalisingly close.
“We have high expectations of ourselves as a team and we set the bar high, so it was inexcusable how we performed against the Lions in that first half,” admits Keegan Daniel.
He reveals that the half-time talk, after being 27-0 down and then playing to a 10-all draw in the second half, was about not panicking. “You can’t panic; when things go badly, you have to revert back to basics, to stick with what works for you. So it was a much better second 40; but as we all know, rugby is an 80 minute game.”
The post mortem analysis has been done and training this week has been about righting the wrongs ahead of this week’s home game against the Cheetahs on Saturday evening.
“We’ve done the review, looked at what went wrong and then get over it as quickly as possible. This is a tough competition and it doesn’t help to dwell on the past too much. We know we definitely played too much rugby in the wrong areas of the field , made some critical errors that ultimately cost us and we’ve been concentrating on making sure that doesn’t happen this week.”
While no-one takes any joy from failure, he admits that as long as there are lessons taken to heart, then it isn’t all gloomy reading.
The long term evolution and development of any successful side often happens from the ground up. The Lions are the perfect example of this. They went through tough, unsuccessful times with a relatively young side a few years ago. But with their coaches continuously backing them as they continued on their own personal growth paths, so the team developed as a unit to the point where they are earning all kinds of accolades.
“Ask any inventor or successful businessman and they’ll tell you, they’ve learned from their mistakes, and the young guys playing for positions in our team will learn from this,” Daniel points out. “When faced with a similar situation in the future, they’ll understand how to adapt and get themselves out.”
Although the players would have suffered a psychological blow following the loss, Daniel explains that moving on is vitally important and to not carry any baggage into the next game.
“Part of being a professional rugby player is dealing with these setbacks. When you fail, you have to bounce back. It’s about identifying where you went wrong and backing your process. It’s not about going back to the drawing board and re-inventing how you play, but going back to what works for you.”
The Cell C Sharks hold their destiny in their hands knowing that success in their final two games almost certainly guarantees them the wildcard slot in the play-offs.
“There’s motivation regardless; there’s motivation every week when you wear the black and white jersey. We want to go into the next two games playing some really good rugby. We want to reach the play-offs and play with confidence and continuity.”
That starts this week against the Cheetahs who will come to Growthpoint KINGS PARK with a measure of confidence – and relief – after their nail-biting 30-29 win over the Force last weekend.
“They’re going to want to come here and play an exciting brand of rugby. Their play-off hopes are pretty much done [they currently trail the Cell C Sharks by 14 points which is a bridge too far to cross] but we still expect them to play with flair as they have all season.
“But defence has been one of our strong points, so it’s about being clinical, playing in the right areas of the field and when we get the opportunities, we much capitalise.”
The post Now for the Cheetahs appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
Full article here: Sharks Rugby – sbuki1030
CELL C RENEW THEIR COMMITMENT AS TITLE SPONSOR:
The Sharks (Pty) Ltd are proud to announce that our title sponsor, Cell C, has extended their partnership with the Cell C Sharks for a further three years.
This renewal ensures that the Cell C brand will continue to be linked to all The Sharks professional teams. Further to this the Cell C Logo, will be emblazoned on the playing kit of The Sharks Professional Teams, the KwaZulu-Natal Amateur and Schools teams as well as The Sharks Academy.
The Sharks CEO, John Smit said: “We are delighted to renew our association with Cell C for a further three years. Our initial partnership has seen both our brands develop through a period of change and reinvention. Together, with a shared vision and a pioneering spirit, our partnership will continue to grow and deliver rewards for both parties.
“I would like to thank the CEO of Cell C, Jose Dos Santos, and his dynamic team for their unwavering support and investment in our brand.”
“The benefits of this partnership will not only be exclusive to the team, but will be extended to our loyal stakeholders. Cell C are committed to providing exciting and exclusive offers to our stakeholders, to ensure that everyone who is associated with the Cell C Sharks family are able to enjoy the exclusive benefits and service that our leading mobile service provider of choice, has to offer”, added Smit.
“Our partnership with the Sharks family has undoubtedly been an exceptional one over the years and we are pleased to be able to extend that journey in this three-year agreement. With so many synergies between Cell C as a business and the Sharks as a team, we look forward to the continued growth and development of both brands,” says Cell C CEO Jose Dos Santos.
Notes:
About Cell C (Pty) Ltd
Cell C is a leading South African mobile provider that offers a wide range of products and services, including voice, data and messaging services to more than 23 million customers. Offering some of the best value in the market, Cell C prides itself on its innovative product offerings and services, like Wi-Fi Calling, a first on the African continent. Its services are supported by a highly advanced 2G, 3G, LTE & LTE-Advanced network. Cell C is the proud sponsor of the Cell C Sharks and Miss South Africa.
The Sharks (Pty) Ltd
Since the sport went professional and the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union adopted The Sharks as a brand name for their team, The Sharks have, over the past decade, evolved from a provincial rugby brand to a commercially recognised sporting brand of international acclaim, promoting an intrinsic lifestyle value as well as fashion, entertainment and sporting aspiration. The Sharks are a sporting brand market leader, in innovation, match day activation and brand communication. There can be no better word to describe The Sharks brand essence than Sharkertainment.
The Cell C Sharks Professional Teams
The Cell C Sharks
Cell C Sharks XV
Cell C Sharks U/19
Cell C Sharks U/21
Find us : sharksrugby.co.za
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Follow us : @TheSharksZA
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The post CELL C RENEW THEIR COMMITMENT AS TITLE SPONSOR appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
Full article here: Sharks Rugby – sbuki1030
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