Preview: Cell C Sharks vs Blue Bulls:
The Cell C Sharks and Blue Bulls go head-to-head in an age-old rivalry when the two teams meet at Growthpoint KINGS PARK in Saturday’s return leg Currie Cup match with plenty at stake for both sides.
After a first round 28-20 victory for the Cell C Sharks, another win will virtually guarantee that we finish top of the log, although there are still two more rounds (and three for some) remaining after this weekend.
Cell C Sharks Head coach Robert du Preez has assembled a strong side to take on the Blue Bulls, bolstered by the inclusion of his returning Springboks, but despite his positive sentiments after the team’s 40-22 victory over the Griquas last weekend, he feels there is more to come.
“I’m very pleased with the team we’ve assembled, we know it’s going to be a tough encounter and we’re going to have to step it up from last week,” he explained.
“We know what to expect from the Blue Bulls, we haven’t forgotten what happened against the Bulls in Super Rugby here at Growthpoint KINGS PARK earlier this year when the Bulls won 30-17, but we’re well-prepared for them.”
Under John Mitchell, the Blue Bulls are looking to expand their game, not only from the point of looking to dominate upfront, but also playing more attacking rugby, making them a much more dangerous side.
“They’re playing more, they attack from their 22 so they want to play with a ball in hand approach and we’re expecting a lot more intensity from them. We have to match that.
“They want to play better rugby every week, they’re in a building phase, but my focus isn’t on them, rather on ourselves. It’s really about us.”
Du Preez explains that the return of Dan du Preez and Chiliboy Ralepelle was a seamless transition back into the side, particularly as the management of the squad revolves around everyone having a role to play.
“They’re part of the Sharks family and it’s really important that once they’ve done their duty with the Springboks that they come back to our family, and we welcome them with open arms. They didn’t get game time with the Boks so we’re very pleased to get them back and for them to get the chance to play some rugby. They slotted straight back in, they’re part of the squad.
“One of the things that I’ve always said is that it’s all about the squad system and we’ll continue to live by that.”
Captain Ruan Botha says he is looking forward to the clash and that the fact that the whole team is contributing has produced the rewards that have come our way.
“This whole campaign has been a team effort and the team has been producing the goods week in and week out. We did have a slip up in week one and a couple of close calls, and we all know that this week against the Blue Bulls is going to require a step up. They’re going to come here with the intention of dominating us up front, so as a pack, we’re going to have to perform and play as a unit.”
With three home games remaining in the pool stages of the Currie Cup, and the potential for five if we are able to go all the way to the finals, Botha admits that he hopes the style of rugby the Cell C Sharks play attracts the fans to Growthpoint KINGS PARK.
“We want to play an exciting brand of rugby that people enjoy and want to watch, and I think we’ve done that so far. We want our fans to be proud Sharks supporters.”
The post Preview: Cell C Sharks vs Blue Bulls appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
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