SHARKS FIX LINE-OUTS

THE Sharks’ problems in the set pieces against the Hurricanes last week have been consigned to history and there will be no similar hiccups against the Rebels on Saturday, according to confident lock Ruben van Heerden.

The Sharks lost six line-outs on their own throw last week and were shunted in the scrums but Van Heerden says the problems have been ironed out.

“The set pieces were not good and we have not shied away from fixing it,” the 22-year-old said. “We feel the days of our scrum and lineout struggling are gone now. We have addressed it. This week you are going to see a different animal when it comes to the set pieces.”

The former SA Schools and SA Under-20 lock reckons the Sharks pack is better than the critics have made out.

“Our forward pack is underestimated but we enjoy being written off as underdogs,” he said from Melbourne. “We want people to underestimate us because we feel that in general we are getting stronger and stronger, and growing each week. We don’t see ourselves as less than any other pack and we won’t stand back for any one. I don’t know why people write us off but I am pleased they do because it is a cool position to be in.”

Van Heerden promised that the backline’s frustration at the lost possession are over.

“It has been a heavy focus for us this week. You are definitely going to see something different from our lineout on Saturday — it is going to be a good attacking platform for us. We have such a potent backline and we want to give them the best possible opportunities to attack.”

Van Heerden pointed out that the scrumming was adversely affected by late changes to the front row.

“Last week we were thrown in the deep end a bit because of circumstances beyond our control. Thomas (du Toit) got sick, Ox (Nche) had to move to the bench to cover tighthead. But having said that, the guys recovered and actually did relatively well, all things considered.” |