Sharks hungary for a royal meal
THE EP Kings can expect a hot reception in Durban on Saturday when they face a wounded Sharks team who slipped to a second consecutive Currie Cup Premier Division defeat when they lost to the Cheetahs at the weekend.
Sharks coach Robert du Preez has given the Kings an indication of the welcoming party awaiting them by saying he wants his players to remember the hurt after defeats against the Cheetahs and Western Province.
While the Sharks are still in the hunt for a berth in the Currie Cup Premier Division playoffs, the winless Kings will be attempting to salvage some pride as they contemplate their final matches.
“The players will learn a lot from the Cheetahs defeat even though it was very disappointing,” said Du Preez.
“It is about rebuilding again. After two disappointing losses, you try to put it behind you or remember the hurt.
“Players need to remember the hurts and make sure they don’t go through it again. We take each game as it comes, so the next game against the Kings is really important to us.”
Du Preez wants a massive improvement in the setpieces and ball retention against the Kings.
“The setpieces was a huge problem area, particularly the scrum. We could never get going and line-outs weren’t great either. And then we just battled to exit too.
“Looking after the ball, seemed to be a problem as well. All of this could be put down to disruptions with the withdrawal of key players,” said Du Preez.
The Kings have a few injury problems to consider ahead of their trip to Durban.
Flyhalf Pieter-Steyn de Wet sustained a slight concussion and will be monitored according to protocol ahead of the Sharks game.
Lock Dylan Pieterse sustained a wrist injury and X-rays were taken to check on any serious damage.
Pieterse has impressed so far for the Kings, and he will be hoping to be ready to take his place in the team.
After a hectic schedule of three games in eight days against Western Province, Griquas and the Cheetahs, the Kings had a well-earned bye at the weekend to regroup ahead of the final three matches of the season.
Head coach coach Barend Pieterse also gave them three days off training last week to ensure that the team are as fresh as possible for the trip to Durban. The week’s fixtures: Thursday: 7pm, Cheetahs v Golden Lions at Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein.
Friday: 7pm, Blue Bulls v Griquas at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria.
Saturday: 3pm, Sharks v EP Kings at Kings Park, Durban; 5.10pm, Western Province v Pumas at Newlands, Cape Town.