Rebels arrive to test Sharks

Ken Borland

A well-rested Sharks side, their Super Rugby challenge revitalised, and a fired-up Melbourne Rebels team, battling for their very survival, will meet at King’s Park in Durban on Saturday and the home side have to ensure they do not let slip their recent gains.

By beating the Jaguares in Durban a fortnight ago, and then watching the Argentinians lose to the Bulls at the weekend, the Sharks are now second in Africa Conference II, six points behind the Lions and three ahead of the South Americans, and in the third qualification spot from the South African Group.

It is vital the Sharks now see off the Rebels, who are bottom of the overall standings and whose weekend win over the Brumbies was their first this season.

“We played seven games on the trot and it was particularly tough, especially with our players going to the Bok camp; we had 13 guys there and they had a tough workout. The boys were really looking forward to the break before hosting the Rebels,” coach Robert du Preez (above) said.

The Rebels arrived in Johannesburg without lock Lopeti Timani, who was suspended for four weeks for kneeing an opponent, and flank Colby Fainga’a, who is awaiting the birth of his first child, but prop Toby Smith is back in their squad for the first time this season having recovered from a hamstring injury.

The Sharks then have tough overseas visits to the Jaguares and Sunwolves and vital home games against the Stormers and Bulls before their next bye, a week before their final round-robin fixture against the high-riding Lions on July 15.