Crusaders should be wary of Sharks
Winning their final match of the Super Rugby season, the Sharks clinched eighth place. Their reward? A trip to Christchurch to meet the Crusaders in the quarter-finals.
The Crusaders haven’t lost since the Highlanders put them away on March 17 but the Sharks should not be written off.
As American novelist James A Baldwin wrote: “The most dangerous creation of any society is the man who has nothing to lose.”
In the Super Rugby playoffs, that’s the Sharks. And there’s something about facing New Zealand franchises that brings out the best in them.
The Sharks produced their best away performances of 2018 against Kiwi opposition. They put 63 points on the Blues at Eden Park, then fell just short in Napier against the Hurricanes, who won by one with an Ihaia West sideline conversion five minutes after the fulltime hooter.
At home, the Sharks were dominant. Winning six of their seven home fixtures, they beat the Chiefs and Highlanders, meaning three of their seven wins this season came against New Zealand sides.
Unlike many other teams, facing Kiwi opponents does not represent an insurmountable challenge. In 24 matches against New Zealand sides since the start of 2013, the Sharks have a 12-12 record.
They are also the only South African side to have beaten the Crusaders away since 2001 and one of only two non-New Zealand teams to win in Christchurch in the past five Super Rugby seasons.
Travelling to Christchurch for a knockout match is daunting for any side, especially given the Crusaders’ current form. The hosts are clear favourites and should win.
However, sudden death matches can throw up the occasional surprise and the Sharks will not be daunted when they step out on to the pitch at AMI Stadium.
The visitors have shown they’re willing and able to match up in a kicking duel or running the football. They lead the competition in offloads with 204 and have made the most kicks (328).
They have also missed the least tackles in the competition and given away the second least penalties.
If they can address their ball security, having committed the most turnovers in the competition, and string some phases together, this will be a much tighter match than many are anticipating.