Preview: Cell C Sharks vs Brumbies:
Saturday’s Vodacom Super Rugby quarter-final against the Brumbies is the perfect opportunity for the Cell C Sharks to show what they are made of in one of rugby’s foremost intercontinental tournaments.
After 16 matches and thousands of kilometres of international travel, the Cell C Sharks are up against the two-time (2001 and 2004) champions in Canberra.
The Brumbies come into this game off a six match winning streak but the Cell C Sharks have proven to be top class opposition on the road and despite the Australians’ recent record, Cell C Sharks head coach Robert du Preez admits that what’s in the past is in the past.
“We’re definitely not thinking about that; this is a one-off game and the boys will be ready for it,” he said from Australia. “We know what’s at stake. This is a team that when everything goes to plan on the day can beat anyone.
“The boys showed great resolve and discipline last week and that last play of over three minutes before Lukhanyo’s try is something the guys have worked incredibly hard on, to show such patience to take the ball through 16-odd phases to go through and score that try. That grows the spirit in the team and right now the spirit is high.”
As Australian Conference winners, the Brumbies have created ascendancy through the hard work their pack has put in.
“The set-piece is a big focus for us, the Brumbies lineouts and scrums have been outstanding, and most of their tries have originated from set-piece play,” du Preez explained. “That’s something we’ve really worked hard on this week.
“In saying that, when the Bulls played them, they did well. Our team has done so well set-piece wise, we know it’s going to be a huge battle upfront, ascendancy is going to be crucial.
“A guy like Mzamo Majola has really taken his chances, he was up against a Springbok tighthead last weekend and he did a great job for us, making 17 tackles. He’s been fantastic for us.
Interesting Stats:
The last three matches between the two teams have been decided by seven points or fewer.
The Brumbies have lost their last two matches at home in the Super Rugby finals series, after winning eight of their previous nine such matches in competition history.
Ruben van Heerden has the best tackle success rate of any player in Super Rugby 2019 to make 100+ tackles this season (95%-101/106).
Team News:
Curwin Bosch returns to the side after missing the previous match due to injury and will look to inject some spark into the Cell C Sharks attack from fullback, while the rest of the team that defeated the Stormers to secure a place in the play-offs remains unchanged.
With seven tries, he is one of the top-scorers in the competition and his 177 carries in 15 games is the third most in the competition. He’s played 1184 minutes this season, the most of any Cell C Sharks player which makes Daniel du Preez a key performer for his team.
Some History:
The two teams have met 22 times in Vodacom Super Rugby with the Cell C Sharks having won on 10 occasions and the Brumbies 12. The Brumbies have hosted the Cell C Sharks in four of the previous five clashes over the course of the last eight tournaments, with the Cell C Sharks winning two of those matches.
A Few Stats:
Clean Breaks*:
Cell C Sharks: 9.3 Brumbies: 8.6
Goal-kicking Percentage:
Cell C Sharks: 76% Brumbies: 73%
Offloads*:
Cell C Sharks: 8.6 Brumbies: 6.8
Penalties Conceded*:
Cell C Sharks: 8.6 Brumbies: 9.1
Tackle Percentage:
Cell C Sharks: 86% Brumbies: 86%
Lineout Success:
Cell C Sharks: 85% Brumbies: 89%
Scrum Success:
Cell C Sharks: 93% Brumbies: 95%
*Ave per game
Head to Head:
2012: Brumbies 26-29 Cell C Sharks
2013: Cell C Sharks 10-29 Brumbies
2014: Brumbies 16-9 Cell C Sharks
2017: Brumbies 22-27 Cell C Sharks
2018: Brumbies 24-17 Cell C Sharks
Match Info:
Referee: Mike Fraser
Kick-off: Saturday 22 June
Time: 12.05pm
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
The post Preview: Cell C Sharks vs Brumbies appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
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