Sharks, Bulls show how hard it’s away from home
tshwakuk@sundaytimes.co.za
● There was a time in the early 2000s when the national broadcaster would routinely refer to South Africa’s Super Rugby sides spoiling the nation’s mood with Friday defeats in Australasia.
In the bigger and more recent picture, the defeats suffered by the Bulls against the Crusaders (33-14) and the Sharks against the Rebels (46-14) on Friday were expected considering how poorly South African teams have travelled this season.
The Sharks, Bulls and Stormers have drawn blanks while the Lions have yet to embark on tour. South African teams haven’t won in eight attempts in Australia and New Zealand this season.
That’s depressing reading considering that the Springboks haven’t won in Australia in five years and the nine-year drought in New Zealand is well documented.
The Sharks’ 32-point hammering by the well-drilled Rebels is cause for concern. Their inadequacies were fully exposed.
The Sharks always look like a work in progress and their pitiful performance was reminiscent of South Africa’s homesick teams of the late ’90s.
What can’t be forgotten is that the Sharks have lost three out of five matches and drew against a substandard Waratahs.
A lot was expected from the Sharks, but they have flattered to deceive.
Not even the improvement shown by the Bulls under new coach John Mitchell was evident in the Sharks, who have an experienced group of players. At least the Bulls showed glimpses of what they’re capable of despite their three defeats.
The Bulls have not won in Christchurch in 22 years and were not expected to break that hoodoo on Friday.
Nevertheless, the Bulls are on the right track from a tactical perspective. They have a Bok-laden core with plenty of Super Rugby experience, but have teething issues to sort out in the scrum and lineout.
In the defeats by the Reds and the Chiefs, the Bulls lost from match-winning positions.
Second-half performances are not only hallmarks of well-coached and well-conditioned teams, but ones with experience who know when to shift gears.
Mitchell acknowledged his team’s shortcomings and he knows that coaching South Africa’s most successful Super Rugby team comes with risks. Having started the season with a win against the Hurricanes, the Bulls would always be hard-pressed to repeat it, but at least they are back on home soil.
“Where we are now and where we want to be is a noticeable gap that needs to be filled,” said Mitchell.
“We’ll always be measured on results but if you go a layer below that there’s definitely a platform for growth. We also need to understand and learn quickly in this competition when we get back home.
“We can now take these learnings and transfer them to a familiar environment and a place of comfort. I’ve been really impressed with the attitude of the team and the work ethic of the guys. Now it’s about keeping frustration away from them because that’s important when you grow. I also have to remain patient in the team’s development.”