Sharks can’t afford to lose focus

Ken Borland

The hunt for the 80-minute game needs to be fulfilled by the Sharks on Saturday when they face the high-flying Lions at Ellis Park in a crunch Super Rugby game, with the visitors knowing they will need the complete game if they are to reverse a string of poor results in Johannesburg.

“We’ve won four out of five and been good so far, it’s not a bad start with just the slip-up against the Reds, but the Lions have dangerous players all over the park and we are looking for a good, complete effort against them,” powerhouse flank Jean-Luc du Preez (right) said yesterday.

“We’ve looked good so far, we’re a much more complete side this year after we were more de- fence-orientated last year. We’ve shifted a bit more on to the attacking side.”

But the four previous wins they have achieved this season are like mere constitutional afternoon strolls in the park compared to the sprint that their match against the high-intensity Lions is bound to be.

“Playing well for periods has got us over the finish line in four of five games, but a team as good as the Lions will put us away if we don’t play well for the entire game. We are still searching for our first 80-minute performance,” forwards coach Jaco Pienaar said.

What has bolstered the Sharks, however, is the way their pack stood up in manful fashion against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, leading the way as they secured a solid win.