The Sharks go back to basics
CANBERRA: MANY NARROW MISSES
Men from Durban desperate to open Super Rugby account after opening loss against the Reds.
Given the Sharks’ unfortunate record of narrow misses in Canberra, they may be tempted to try and spring a surprise like Italy did on the English last weekend, when they play the Brumbies in their Super Rugby match today.
But now is not the time for the Sharks to try and be clever – their problem in last weekend’s defeat to the Reds was not getting the basics of discipline, exits and just hanging on to the ball right.
The Sharks have lost eight of their last nine games in Canberra, although the last six visits to the Australian capital have been decided by seven points or fewer.
They know what to expect from the Brumbies, a side that prides itself on getting the basics right. They were only narrowly defeated by the Crusaders in Christchurch last weekend, but their set-pieces were faultless and they maintained possession well.
Scott Fardy and Chris Alcock lead a menacing loose trio that will definitely make the breakdown a highly-contestable area.
Tevita Kuridrani is a name that should strike fear into the hearts of the Sharks as well, the outside centre being very much in the same mould as Reds No 13 Samu Kerevi, who scored two tries against the tourists last weekend.
Right wing Henry Speight, lock Rory Arnold and replacement prop Ben Alexander are other well-known names, but it is a new-look Brumbies side and if the Sharks play to their potential and stick to the basics, then they will certainly be in the contest.
“It’s not going to be any easier against the Brumbies, who could well have won against the Crusaders. It’s a tough one in a tough stadium, it’s going to be a hard game,” Sharks coach Robert du Preez said.