Preview: Emirates Lions vs Cell C Sharks:
It’s all or nothing this Saturday as the Cell C Sharks travel to Emirates Airline Park to take on the Emirates Lions in our Vodacom Super Rugby quarter-final clash.
The two teams have met twice this season -home and away – and the Lions came away with the spoils on both occasions. But with all due respect to the pool stages, this is the big time.
Coach Robert du Preez has made just one change to the starting line-up, opting for the selection of Curwin Bosch ahead of Garth April at flyhalf.
“The last time we played the Lions up there, Curwin did really well for us, we’re hoping for a repeat performance from him,” explained the coach. “That’s the reason we’ve brought him back in. Having said that, Garth is a very important guy for us and will hopefully bring something special off the bench.”
Du Preez also admitted that Curwin Bosch’s kicking game was highlighted as an important weapon in his arsenal.
Motivation levels are high in the camp and everyone knows the importance riding on this match.
“We had a great week of training, the boys are really ready and we know we have a big shot at this. It’s a one-off game and the boys are up for it.
“It’s a final of sorts, that makes it really different to the two previous games we played against them; this is it.”
What will be needed to win this game, the third time the two teams are meeting this competition?
“The guys were disappointed after our game on Saturday because that wasn’t our best effort and we all know that. But that’s done and dusted and we’re going to go into this game focusing on what we’re good at and hopefully that will be good enough to pull it through.”
Captain Philip van der Walt spoke of the mood in the camp as one of determination and excitement.
“I definitely feel we’re up for this game,” he admitted. “Training this week, from the word go, was on fire and our execution too was better. We’re focusing on not giving the Lions any opportunities and that includes looking after the ball properly.
“We’ve been sharp at training, but obviously it all comes down to what happens on the day. The mood in the camp is really good.
Forgetting last week’s match, putting it behind them and facing a new challenge head-on is the important focal point this week. Particularly as it is a knock-out match.
“This is a different game and there are no second chances, it’s do-or-die. As a team, we feel we can do a lot better than last week, we feel we haven’t played to our potential this year and what better time than now?
“We believe that if we play to our true potential, we can certainly win, but we don’t underestimate the fact that they’re a different team at home. They’ll play with a lot of confidence, having finished top of the log.
“We want to put pressure on them by starting well. That’s important.”
The post Preview: Emirates Lions vs Cell C Sharks appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
Preview: Free State vs Cell C Sharks:
The Currie Cup competition opens this weekend with the Cell C Sharks visiting Bloemfontein to take on the reigning champs, the Free State Cheetahs in week one action.
With the Cell C Sharks playing in their Vodacom Super Rugby quarter-final match on Saturday, caretaker coach for the Currie Cup, Paul Anthony, is able to assess squad depth, while Free State, now out of Super Rugby action, have all their top players available to them for the opening round.
“Barring one or two players, Free State have selected virtually their best side, but I think we have a good side as well,” admits Anthony.
“We’re looking forward to getting the competition going and for a good hit-out tonight. We have a really good mix with some good experience and then we’ve thrown in some youngsters as well.”
This mix of talent is the blend that Anthony, and later Robert du Preez (when the Cell C Sharks’ Super Rugby commitments are over) will look to mould into a team capable of reaching – and winning – finals.
“We have some young guys who have been in and out of the Super Rugby side who can definitely come to the fore. We’ve also been strengthened by Mzamo Majola, who was on-loan, and new signings Ross Geldenhuys and Tyler Paul from the Kings, and Cameron Wright returns from overseas.
“Ross will be a big help for us because the Cheetahs scrum well and although we haven’t even spoken about their running game, their set-piece is, for me, something we need to address.”
Although the Cheetahs are the defending champs and went through last season unbeaten in the Currie Cup, Anthony says his team isn’t daunted by the prospect.
“It’s part of what you have to do, it’s the competition and we have to play every side; the boys are definitely up for it and looking forward to it,” he says.
“We played them twice in the SuperSport Rugby Challenge and the boys know what they’re in for.”
Some might suggest that the historic Currie Cup competition pales in comparison to a tournament like Super Rugby, but not Anthony. “The Currie Cup is massive for us,” he says emphatically.
“Now we have an opportunity to give guys – seniors and juniors – an opportunity to come in at a top level. Free State have a host of internationals, both at 7s and 15s, and our guys are really looking forward to the match. The exposure they will gain for the Sharks is massive. It’s good for the players and for us, it’s an investment in them.”
That investment also comes from playing alongside team-mates who have tasted action in the big time. Both Odwa Ndungane and Keegan Daniel are proving to be exceptional role-models for the youngsters.
“Keegan and Odwa have been absolutely outstanding. The players look up to them and they’re doing a fantastic job as senior statesmen in the team, providing guidance and leadership.”
The match kicks off at 7pm at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
The post Preview: Free State vs Cell C Sharks appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
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