Sharks eye upset in Toulouse with better discipline
The Cell C Sharks left for France knowing they faced a formidable Heineken Champions Cup quarterfinal obstacle in the form of Toulouse, but they believe that if they can get their discipline right, they will have a chance of scoring an upset.
That was the farewell shot from the Sharks’ experienced centre Lukhanyo Am after Tuesday’s final training session on South African soil before the team left for Toulouse.
While the Vodacom Bulls were outplayed by Toulouse in their round of 16 tie this past Sunday, Am reckoned the Sharks saw enough positives from the Bulls’ performance to feel emboldened about their chances.
“I thought the Bulls did really well until the 50th minute of that game on Sunday and what cost them was the penalty count,” Am said.
“All SA teams like the confrontational and physical side of things, and if you bring that against a side like Toulouse, who have a big pack, it will give us confidence in the game.
“But we need to have good discipline to minimise their opportunities to get into our 22. That is what cost the Bulls on Sunday.”
The Sharks’ discipline in their big win over Munster in their round of 16 clash at HollywoodBets Kings Park at the weekend was much improved on what has been the common trend for them this season.
For once, it was the opposition who were pinged by the referee, and Munster’s lack of discipline allowed the Sharks entries into the 22 that put them on the path to victory in the third quarter.
“Our discipline definitely has been a big work-on this season.
“What has been particularly frustrating is that our penalties in the past weren’t system related, but individual errors.
“That is very frustrating as it is avoidable and it is something we are continually working on.
“The set piece aside, a lot of the penalties against us were random penalties.
“It is frustrating as we have been letting ourselves down and allowing our opponents to put us under pressure.”
Though the Sharks will be starting as underdogs, Am says the team is looking forward to the challenge of playing the team that is considered the best in France, now and historically.
“I think French sides have a similar style to us.
“They place a lot of emphasis on a strong set piece and forward dominance and a backline that is not afraid to move the ball around,” the Bok World Cup winner said.
“It is like versus like in this game. We know we are up against a big side.
“And Toulouse, who are such a good team, having home ground advantage does make it a massive challenge for us.
“But it is something we are preparing for and it is a challenge we are looking forward to embracing.”
There is a lot of talk about the relative strengths of South African rugby in comparison to France and Ireland, the two frontrunners on the World Rugby Rankings, both likely opponents at the Rugby World Cup for the Springboks later in the year.
However, Am would not be drawn on whether a win in Toulouse for his team would be a boost for the Bok chances of doing the same if they face France later in 2023.
“I think at the moment we are fully focused on the Sharks; the Heineken Cup is a massive competition and great to be a part of,” the Sharks stalwart said.
“The way we look at it is that this is our first season of the Heineken Cup, so everything is an experience for us.
“Playing a quarterfinal in Toulouse will give us a feel of how it will be over there, what it is like to be hosted by a French team on their home ground.
“We want to get the feel of the game and what it is like playing against a French team drawing off the energy of the crowd.”
The Sharks team for the quarterfinal will be announced tomorrow.—