Hunting season for Sharks with ’Tahs there for taking
THE Sharks and the Waratahs had forgettable scrumming outings in their previous Super Rugby fixtures‚ something that’ll make their meeting today at King’s Park quite interesting.
Despite beating the Stormers 34-27 in Sydney‚ the Waratahs were reduced to mince-meat at the set-piece by Steven Kitshoff. The Sharks‚ who had a bye last weekend after their 2619 opening round defeat at the hands of the Lions‚ were scrummed into the ground by a rampant Lions pack led by Jacques van Rooyen.
Sharks and Springbok prop Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira came off the bench to salvage what was left of their scrum in Johannesburg but the horse had long bolted.
Mtawarira said improvement was demanded of them after their disappointing outing two weeks ago
“We weren’t happy about our performance against the Lions. It was substandard‚” said Mtawarira.
“The guys were working hard at the facet during the pre-season.
“We just went back to the basics to ensure we’ve got cohesion.
“The scrum is something we want to rectify on Saturday and something we’re taking very personally.
“The Waratahs have an experienced pack but we’re not looking too much into the Stormers game.
“We’re looking at the game as a new challenge and an opportunity for us to make a step up and tick a box we skipped in the Lions game.”
Sharks coach Robert du Preez made five changes to the side that lost to the Lions.
Mtawarira returns to the starting line-up‚ replacing Juan Schoeman.
A reshuffled backrow sees Keegan Daniel and Tyler Paul replacing Dan du Preez and Philip van der Walt.
Makazole Mapimpi made way for Kobus van Wyk at wing while Louis Schreuder returned to his starting berth at scrumhalf.
Du Preez said the Waratahs were going to be a tough proposition.
“I haven’t seen too many weaknesses at this stage but they’ve improved a lot from last year‚” said Du Preez. “They have players who have the X-factor.
“I think it’s going to be a tough encounter against them because it’s always tough playing against the Waratahs. So this time it’s not going to be any different.” — DDC