The Cell C Sharks XV take on the Pumas in Nelspruit this weekend in their Super Sport Rugby Challenge semi-final with a measure of confidence gained out of two outstanding results over the past fortnight.
Last week’s quarter-final defeat of the Lions XV at JONSSON KINGS PARK was an emphatic victory, beating their up-country opponents 55-12. This after the previous week’s 48-21 win over Free State which secured second spot on the Central Log.
The Pumas defeated the Blue Bulls 30-24 in their quarter-final last weekend and will host the Cell C Sharks XV at Mbombela Stadium after finishing top of the North Conference, having won all eight of their pool matches.
“I’m really proud of the effort against the Lions last week,” said head coach Ricardo Loubscher.
But that’s all behind them now as the focus is squarely on defeating the Pumas and gaining entry to next week’s final. Besides having played the Pumas in pre-season and gaining a win out of that match, the confidence of recent results will add greatly in value.
“Looking at the Pumas style of play, we know this will be a set-piece, kicking battle,” the coach explained. “They’re a very physical side and our pack can’t wait to test themselves against what is a full Currie Cup side that has solid defence, so on attack we need to again bring our A-game.”
He added that what was pleasing this season was the many Under 21s that were involved in the Cell C Sharks XV campaign. Although this is a young side, they have fought together and come out on top.
“I’m very happy with the way they performed and grew this season,” he said. “We know that this willS be a definite step-up for the team, but I’m confident especially as we won’t change a lot.”
There is a big step up as far as mental demands go for this young team, but as long as the systems are in place, they know what is expected from them.
“It’s important to back your systems, I will do my homework to cover all the bases and we will get the stuff off the field right. We are also arriving early to settle in before we have one or two training session.
“It’s all about preparing well, making sure there’s clarity in terms of the plan and then executing the plan on the day.”
| The Cell C Sharks XV | Replacements |
| 1. Mzamo Majola | 16. Kerron van Vuuren |
| 2. Franco Marais | 17. Kyle Whyte |
| 3. Ross Geldenhuys | 18. Khutha Mchunu |
| 4. Gideon Koegelenberg | 19. Rikus Zwart |
| 5. Andrew Evans | 20. Francois de Villiers |
| 6. Cornelius Otto | 21. Danrich Visagie |
| 7. Kwanda Dimaza | 22. Tristan Blewett |
| 8. Tera Mtembu (C) | |
| 9. Grant Williams | |
| 10. Garth April | |
| 11. Makazole Mapimpi | |
| 12. Johan Deysel | |
| 13. Jeremy Ward | |
| 14. Aphelele Fassi | |
| 15. Courtney Winnaar |
The post Semi-final Time appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
Lesser teams might have bowed out halfway through a game where they were 10 points down against a side that hadn’t lost to another South African team in more than two years.
But all credit to the Cell C Sharks for the courageous second half fightback and the way we went about securing a must-win Vodacom Super Rugby match against the Emirates Lions to keep our goal to reach the knock-out rounds intact.
Referring back to the way the team had to rally back from a half-time 10 point deficit and fight for the win, assistant coach Dick Muir explained, “It showed a lot of character, it also showed the hunger and determination in this group.
“Obviously we’re disappointed with where we stand as far as log positions go [the Cell C Sharks are currently ninth on the overall log and third in the South African Conference] and the early losses we had in the competition, but we are gaining some good momentum now and it will be good to carry it into the DHL Stormers game.”
As a make or break game, it certainly brought out the best in the players and despite both the Vodacom Bulls and DHL Stormers also losing, there is still pressure from the Australian and New Zealand sides for places in the top eight.
“Winning came from a combination of things,” said Muir, “but we have to remember that this is a young group of guys finding their feet and settling down, so there are going to be teething issues at the start. But I think we have sorted a lot of those things out and we’re in a good place now.”
Although there is no doubting the value of having Springbok players in your camp, and ones returning following a series win [against England], Muir also pointed to the players who had been injured or not selected for the Boks.
“They would have had a point to prove and I think the guys achieved that against the Lions.”
The next game takes place in Cape Town this Saturday and the DHL Stormers currently lie on the bottom of the South African Conference, suffering a 25-14 loss to the Jaguares on the weekend, but will certainly be playing for pride in their final game of the 2018 tournament, a top eight finish beyond their grasp.
“They’re a dangerous side, when we played them here it was anyone’s game so it will be a huge test for our guys and a great character test. The DHL Stormers have nothing to play for really, other than pride whereas our guys still have something to play for.”
That something to play for is a place in the top eight, a position not yet secured despite the wonderful victory over the Lions on Saturday. The players are well-aware of the challenge that lies ahead in the next two weeks.
“Absolutely,” Muir agreed. “But the biggest thing right now is just to take it game for game. The guys know there is everything to gain, but also everything to be lost, there is a lot at stake.
“But I do believe that the character of the group will be shown in the next game.”
The Cell C Sharks had no momentum to take into the game against the Lions, but after that win, take confidence into the DHL Stormers game and a good measure of momentum.
“We haven’t been able to use the momentum we’ve gained this season, but it’s definitely something we can build on from now,” Muir explained. “It’s just making sure we keep the group together, that they remain grounded and that they do the business on the day.”
Although Akker van der Merwe came off with 27 minutes of the match remaining with a shoulder complaint and still earned the prestigious Vodacom Man of the match award for his outstanding contribution to the Cell C Sharks’ cause, he has no injury concerns.
“Akker had a point to prove against his old team and he’s also striving for higher honours, he’s a leader in our group and leads from the front. It’s wonderful to have someone like Akker in our team. He’s versatile and immensely strong and does the basics well. He’s stepping up in the right way.”
Van der Merwe took full part in Monday’s training ahead of the Vodacom Super Rugby match against the DHL Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday, but fellow forward Jean-Luc du Preez was not as fortunate, having sustained a MCL sprain on his left knee and is expected to be out for the next two matches.
The post Hunger and determination appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
Fill in the form below to have your blog featured on MyDurban – we will post a snippet and title link to your new blog posts.
Submit and get free press releases here: MyPR Free Press Release | Meet the Durban Bloggers.
