Preview: Cell C Sharks vs Jaguares:
On Saturday, the Cell C Sharks will be hoping to achieve the Vodacom Super Rugby double by defeating the Jaguares both home and away when the two sides clash at Velez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires.
The Jaguares come off a disappointing three match tour of South Africa where they lost all three, to the Cell C Sharks, Bulls and Lions, while we reflect on a disappointing draw with the Rebels last week.
However, Head Coach Robert du Preez believes that lessons must be learned and then the past relegated to history as a new challenge presents itself.
“We’ve moved on from the Rebels’ game, we’ve reviewed it, it’s done and dusted,” he said. “We have a big task ahead of us against the Jaguares.”
This week, amongst other goals is the desire to not only make things happen, but also to finish them. Against the Rebels, there were numerous visits to the opposition 22 without reward and the focus will be on closing out.
“We created a lot of opportunities but didn’t convert them,” he explained. “This week, we’re going to have to take anything that comes our way.”
In the context of the very physical and competitive Jaguares, the Cell C Sharks have already played them this season – and won – but they know just how tough it’s going to be
We secured a hard-fought 18-13 victory in the first round match at Growthpoint KINGS PARK a few weeks ago and almost a year ago, we were strong enough to overcome everything the Jaguares threw at us to emerge narrow 25-22 victors in Argentina.
Regardless of past results, this is a serious challenge. Particularly in Buenos Aires.
“They are tough, no-one has beaten them there this year. They lost all three matches here on their tour to South Africa so they would obviously like to make amends for those losses.
“I certainly believe that we can beat them, we have the firepower to do that.”
Commenting on the fact that nine changes (both rotational and positional) were made for this match, du Preez made the point that no-one was being dropped or punished.
“The changes we made to our team weren’t because players didn’t perform well [against the Rebels], but we need to give guys the opportunity to play. We have a really good squad and I have no hesitation in playing the other guys who need an opportunity.
“This team has been together for nine months and there can be no excuses.”
For now, the log table takes on extra significance because of the match is within the same conference and just four points separating the second-placed Cell C Sharks from the Jaguares in third place.
“This week, there’s all to play for,” said du Preez.
“It will certainly be a deciding game for us as far as where we are going to finish up on the log. That makes it even more important for us to put in a great performance and come back with the points.”
The post Preview: Cell C Sharks vs Jaguares appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
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