Bok square off
It’s Nkosi v Dyantyi tomorrow
S’busiso Nkosi and Aphiwe Dyantyi were national team brothers-in-arms with solid performances against England in the past three weeks.
With Super Rugby hostilities resuming this weekend‚ Nkosi (Sharks) and Dyantyi (Lions) will be on opposite sides at King’s Park tomorrow.
Nkosi knows how well he has bonded with Dyantyi over the past month, but the friendship has to be put aside as the franchises chase different Super Rugby goals.
“This is business. I get on the field and this is my franchise against yours.
“We’ll have to put friendship aside and we’ll have a good laugh after the game‚” Nkosi said
“It’s game on‚ especially if you’re passionate about your franchise and you want the best for them.”
The Lions have achieved an excellent degree of success against all South African Super Rugby teams, but with their wonky form this season‚ that cannot be taken for granted.
They have risen to every South African challenge this season – but the Sharks pose a particular threat.
Where the Lions failed against the New Zealand teams‚ the Sharks over-achieved.
Nkosi is aware of this, but he is not letting it go to his head, especially since the Sharks have not beaten the Lions since 2015.
“Not beating the Lions was [not] mentioned in the camp.
“Maybe deep inside we know we owe the Lions one.
“We go into the game with a lot of motivation because we’ve played with some of [them] at Bok level.
“It’s a point-to-prove situation‚” Nkosi said.
The Sharks have to beat the Lions to keep up with the Jaguares.
Robert du Preez’s side are six points behind the South American outfit and cannot afford to lose.
With the Jaguares having the later game against the Stormers‚ the Sharks have to deliver.
Nkosi said they were happy that their fate was still in their own hands.
“There’s enough motivation, knowing we’re not depending on any other results to influence our qualification.
“That is extra motivation if we need any.” –