As the Cell C Sharks focus on their Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash with Scarlets on Saturday evening, there is a steely determination that at this stage of the business end, a huge effort is required.
Cell C Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell, speaking from the team’s base, admitted that the team is in a good mental space as they prepare for the game.
Talking about the conditions in Wales and the mood before the game, he said, “The weather has been kind to us, we’ve had sunshine and the guys are in good spirits.
“This game will contribute massively towards where we will finish at the end of the pool stages, all our focus and energy has been on this game. We need to guarantee a top seven finish and with that qualification for next season’s Heineken Cup.
“This game is important, as is the result and hopefully we can get a full house of points. But it’s going to be tough, Scarlets won’t roll over and it’s a case of us going out there and make sure we bring the effort and accuracy to the roles and responsibilities we have for the game.”
A big talking point has been the return of his Springboks for this game, but lacking game time while they were on an enforced break from play is something the coaching staff have had to factor into their planning for this match.
“The last two weeks has been spent trying to get as much rugby into them, our preparation has been about getting them back into our shapes and defensive structures and hopefully that removes the rustiness,” Powell explained.
“Obviously playing and practicing are not the same thing, you can’t get to 100% in your game situations from training sessions, but we’ve tried to do what we can to make sure they’re sharp enough.”
He added that they had enjoyed a well-deserved break after their Test match commitments before returning to action for the Cell C Sharks and are now revitalised for the challenge that lies ahead.
“It was a time to get rid of any niggles as well as building their energy stores again. It will be good for them to be out onto the field again and getting back into the game and the demands they face.”
Wales is a far cry from the heat and humidity of Durban and there will be new challenges for a Cerll C Sharks team that has neverr played at Parc Y Scarlets in Llanelli, the town that boasts a club victory over the New Zealand national team back in 1972.
“It’s a place we haven’t been before, but the game remains the same, all that matters is what takes place between the four lines. It is different when you haven’t been there before, but in a new competition, it’s how you adapt. After the captain’s run, we will be familiar with environment, the field and the stadium, and hopefully put a good performance together.”
Looking at Scarlets, Powell warned that his team must be prepared for what the Welsh throw at them.
“They like unstructured rugby and play off turnovers from scraps off the ground. They like attack, they take energy from that, especially off turnovers. What makes them even more dangerous is that they have nothing to lose.
“From our side, I think we need to keep things as structured as possible, because if the game loses structure, that will play into their hands.”
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