Sharks hoping to keep momentum into play-offs
The Cell C Sharks have qualified for the Carling Currie Cup
semi-final however should things pan out in their favour they could still host
a semi-final and potentially a final which gives them a lot to play for on
Saturday.
It’s a must-win game for the visitors to Jonsson Kings Park on Saturday and with a top two spot wrapped up for the Sharks there could be a question of complacency. Sharks Coach Sean Everitt doesn’t see it that way.
“First of all it’s about us,” Everitt said. “We are preparing for things that are far bigger than this match – the play-offs and the URC (United Rugby Championship).
“There are individuals in our squad that are desperate to be up for selection and in the match-23 for the semi-final next week and then also to be on the plane going on tour.
“So, this weekend gives them the opportunity to keep up that form and make selection to both of those squads.
“But at the same time, I believe we are on an upward curve, and we’ve gained some momentum over the past few weeks so we would like to keep that form going forward.”
The Sharks recently welcomed their new attack and backline coach Noel McNamara and Everitt believes he’s hit the ground running in the week that he has been with the group.
“Noel arrived last week Tuesday and he’s had an immediate impact on the team. A different person and different voice is always motivating for the youngsters so we are happy with that so far.”
Looking at Western Province, Everitt knows that with the do-or-die nature of the fixture they will throw everything they have at the Sharks and it’s up to the home side to repel that.
“Province are a proud team and they won’t be happy with where they are and they will see an opportunity to get five points in this game and knock either the Pumas or Griquas out of the semi-final.
“They have got to score five points so I am sure they will give it all and maybe play a bit more rugby than they are used to,” he added.
Everitt has opted to pick Curwin Bosch at fullback for Saturday’s clash and the spotlight will be on him given the weather that is expected on Saturday.
“We were really impressed with Curwin when he moved to fullback against Griquas and with the rain and gale-force winds that are expected on Saturday his boot is going to be really important for us,” Everitt commented.
Kick off at Jonsson Kings Park on Saturday is at 7pm.
Cell C Sharks v Western Province
1. Ntuthuko Mchunu, 2. Kerron van Vuuren, 3. Khutha Mchunu,
4. Le Roux Roets, 5. Gerbrandt Grobler, 6. James Venter, 7. Henco Venter, 8.
Phepsi Buthelezi (c), 9. Sanele Nohamba, 10. Lionel Cronje, 11. Thaakir
Abrahams, 12. Murray Koster, 13. Werner Kok, 14. Yaw Penxe, 15. Curwin Bosch
Replacements
16. Dan Jooste, 17. Khwezi Mona, 18. Lourens Adriaanse, 19.
Reniel Hugo, 20. Thembelani Bholi, 21. Cameron Wright, 22. Marius Louw, 23.
Anthony Volmink.
