The Currie Cup final that everyone wanted

THE Sharks play Western Province in Cape Town on Saturday in the Currie Cup final that rugby followers wanted, and few can be sure who will prevail in what will be a very close contest.

Province went unbeaten in the pool stages but were lucky to win their semi-final against the Bulls at Newlands last week, so they have had their wake-up call.

The Sharks, who have had to scrap it out in a number of their games, delivered their best performance of the season in their semi-final against the Lions. The Sharks’ progress curve has been building incrementally higher over the course of the competition, and it looks like they are peaking at the perfect time.

And having had to dig deep to win their semi-final when the Lions staged a strong second-half comeback will keep them honest going into the final. It was ideal in that they will be encouraged by the calibre of rugby they played, but will not be cocky in the slightest.

How nervous was Sharks coach Robert du Preez when the Lions clawed their way to within two points of their opponents with 10 minutes to go?

“Very, very…” he admitted. “Semi-finals can be the toughest games, anything can happen on the day. They had us really worried there, but I am very pleased with the guys’ effort to come back after their two tries and fight it out to the end. That was good,” the relieved coach said.

The manner in which the Sharks shut the Lions out in the first half before hitting a 23-3 lead in the second was impressive, and having showed their attacking prowess they then had to be stout on defence, and they mostly were.

Turning his attention to the final, Du Preez said that apart from the usual clichéd requirements such as taking opportunities, discipline would be a big focus for the Sharks.

“Discipline said.

“If you remember the All Blacks playing France in the World Cup final in 2011, they only conceded three penalties. That is the type of discipline you want.”

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