After four rounds – the halfway mark of the pool stages – of the Currie Cup competition, the Cell C Sharks find themselves comfortably perched at the top of the log thanks to a 100% success record.
But the pressure will remain throughout, to maintain their form that has seen them win all four matches.
Unfortunately, they will be without flying winger Lwazi Mvovo this weekend when they tackle Western Province at Newlands after he was recalled to the Springbok touring squad this week.
The loss of a player of quality and experience like Mvovo does impact the backline, but this season the youngsters are certainly raising their hands and accepting the responsibility placed on them.
One such player is Inny Radebe, the Cell C Sharks flyhalf who injects real excitement into his team’s attack and despite his youth, has shown real maturity so far in his debut Currie Cup season.
“I’m glad I had the opportunity to come through the junior ranks before playing senior rugby, it helped me mature,” he explains now that he is in the big league. “I’m really enjoying myself now and it’s nice to have a couple of older guys guiding me.”
He admits that he is comfortable with the pressure on his shoulder as the midfield general.
“Not having the kicking responsibilities at the moment [those are aptly taken care of by fullback Curwin Bosch] does take some weight off my shoulders, but having someone like Andre around me, as well as Keegan and Odwa makes it so much easier for me to go out and do what I need to. It has been quite easy to settle into this environment.”
He adds that as an attacking player, the style of rugby embraced by the Cell C Sharks suits him down to the ground.
“The group is really excited about where we are heading and coach Rob has given us the freedom to go out and express ourselves; we are really enjoying it. We’re told to give it a full go and we know that we are going to make mistakes along the way, but we are playing with more ball in hand and hopefully that will attract the crowds.”
Although the good start means there is a target on his team’s back, he admits that they’re keeping their feet firmly on the ground and avoiding any pressure that might come as a result of expectations of Currie Cup glory.
“We know that four out of four is a good start for us in the competition, but that means nothing in the bigger picture. We need to go out and take it game by game and Western Province is our next challenge. And not having had the best of starts, we’re expecting them to come hard at us this weekend.”
The 21 year old started running around with a rugby ball from the age of two or three with his older brother who he admits had a huge influence on him. He excelled at schoolboy level, represented the Lions at Craven Week two years running before being lured to Durban, having come through the junior ranks before “finally getting my break at Currie Cup level.”
The added advantage for him being at the Cell C Sharks is having his teenage idol around, someone who is not only there to inspire, but also to mentor.
“I’ve looked up at Pat Lambie for years and rubbing shoulders with him is hugely beneficial for my career,” he admits. “He’s played a big part in my development, and if I need any advice, I go straight to him; he’s played a big part helping me ease into senior rugby.”
The post When the Youngsters Shine appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
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