Consistency key to Sharks’ win
RALEPELLE: IT WAS ABOUT STICKING TO THE DETAILS
Double delight as the Under-19s also won their Currie Cup.
Squad captain Chiliboy Ralepelle says the Sharks have been their own worst enemies in recent times but their triumphant Currie Cup campaign was due to them binning their inconsistencies.
“This victory means a lot and now we must build on that belief. We’ve been our own worst enemies with not being able to deliver consistent performances, but in the Currie Cup we really stayed with the system, we trusted it and everybody bought in. Nothing changed in how we played, it was just about sticking to the details.
“At the end of the day, it is a game and you’ve got to enjoy it, and we wanted to be selfless and whatever we do, to do it to the best of our ability for the team. So it came from the heart, we believed in each other and the system, and we wanted to stay composed and disciplined in everything we did.
“If you make a mistake, then your brother is there to rectify it,” Ralepelle, who came off the bench to replace outstanding hooker Akker van der Merwe in the second half, said after their 17-12 win over Western Province at Newlands in the final at the weekend.
Coach Robert du Preez also spoke optimistically about the future after the Sharks won their first major trophy since 2013.
“This is massive for the union, and our U19s won their Currie Cup as well. If we keep building on this then my belief is we can really be a force to be reckoned with in Super Rugby next year. All credit to the players and the leadership group, and Chili has been outstanding as our captain for the season and then playing from the bench in the semifinal and final, he was magnificent.
“But it’s not just the match 23, it’s been a very long season and everyone involved has played a massive role. The individual has always come second, the team has come first. There was a bit of nerves at the start, but we regained our composure in the second half.
“We knew a pressure game would take its toll on Province, so we tried to keep them on the back foot with our carries, keep the ball and have an accurate kicking game,” Du Preez said.