The Cell C Sharks travel to Bloemfontein for our week two Currie Cup clash against the Free State Cheetahs on Saturday, knowing that a good performance to back up last week’s win against the Vodacom Blue Bulls is paramount.
“It was a good start, we knew the Bulls would be tough and they didn’t disappoint, but to get our season off to a winning start against a very good Bulls side is really pleasing for us,” explains Cell C Sharks fullback Curwin Bosch.
“Now that we’ve gained a bit of momentum, it’s all about consistency; about stepping up each week.”
With a backline that loves nothing better than playing exciting, attacking rugby, one filled with X-Factor players, they will relish any opportunity to turn possession into points this weekend.
“We’ve placed a lot of emphasis on turning our defence into attack, we did that against the Bulls, and together with the work ethic of our forwards, we can achieve that,” he explains.
“Coach Dick [Muir] has been helping there and we have been working hard on our attack. I think we can still improve and it’s something that will grow as the season progresses.”
Looking at the Free State challenge, he admits that the focus won’t be so much on the opposition or the strength of their side given that the Cheetahs also have Pro 14 commitments, but rather on themselves.
“There’s always a possibility of them fielding a potentially weaker side because of their Pro 14 commitments, but we are well aware of the importance of achieving what we want to in this competition. It’s very short and there isn’t time to drop off after one good performance, so we need to keep focused on what we want to do and achieve.”
Head coach Robert du Preez has stuck with the same starting XV this week. There is one change amongst the replacements, with Tera Mthembu unfortunately picking up a knee injury (meniscus tear) in the last match. His place on the bench has been taken by Luke Stringer.
| The Cell C Sharks |
Replacements |
| 1. Juan Schoeman |
16. Kerron van Vuuren |
| 2. Chiliboy Ralepelle (C) |
17. Khutha Mchunu |
| 3. John-Hubert Meyer |
18. Andrew Evans |
| 4. Gideon Koegelenberg |
19. Luke Stringer |
| 5. Hyron Andrews |
20. Cameron Wright |
| 6. Wian Vosloo |
21. Johan Deysel |
| 7. Tyler Paul |
22. Aphelele Fassi |
| 8. Daniel du Preez |
|
| 9. Louis Schreuder |
|
| 10. Robert du Preez |
|
| 11. Lwazi Mvovo |
|
| 12. Marius Louw |
|
| 13. Jeremy Ward |
|
| 14. Kobus van Wyk |
|
| 15. Curwin Bosch |
The post The Next Challenge appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
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