Sharks ready for Bulls in opener
Under White, Pretoria side are expected to revert to their old brand of forward dominance
A wary Cell C Sharks side are bracing themselves for a sustained onslaught from a revamped Vodacom Bulls pack when they lock horns at Loftus Versveld on Saturday.
Under new coach Jake White, the Bulls are expected to revert to their old brand of forward dominance which brought them success in the past.
The Bulls vs Sharks clash kicks off the Vodacom Super Fan Saturday and it will be followed by a showdown between the Lions and Sharks.
All eyes will be on a new-look Bulls side White has assembled in Pretoria since he took over from Pote Human in April.
Among the big guns facing the Sharks are Duane Vermeulen, Arno Botha, Nizaam Carr, Jason Jenkins, Travis Ismaiel, Sintu Manjezi, Elrigh Louw, Schalk Erasmus and Gio Aplon.
Sharks coach Sean Everitt believes his Bulls counterpart will want his team to dominate the forward exchanges.
“The Bulls have built up a formidable squad under Jake,” Everritt said.
“It will be interesting to see what the Bulls bring this weekend, but I am pretty sure that for us it is going to be about stopping the momentum they will try to generate with those powerful ball carriers.”
“It’s exciting to get back into our normal rugby routine, though we are sticking to strict health protocols and the players understand that responsibility so we can avoid a crisis.
“We’re looking forward to getting onto the field and the players realise that there is rugby happening very soon and their willingness to learn on the field has stepped up.
“So, too, has the intensity in training with regards to contact.
“We’re back into full swing of things, and the guys are excited and motivated to do well for the Sharks again.”
Former Kings coach and
Sharks assistant coach Brent Janse van Rensburg said his team are itching to get back on the field.
“It’s going to be great to play again to see the players do their thing on the playing field and give the supporters something to watch,” Janse van Rensburg said.
“There is certainly plenty of excitement as we near this point, but even with all the challenges we’ve faced, I think everyone has handled them really well.
“In life we are faced with numerous challenges and it’s fair to say this was a unique one, but in getting through this, people grow and learn lessons out of it.”
SA Rugby has announced two competitions what will take place between October and January, with the Vodacom Super
Rugby Unlocked tournament between October 10 and November 21.
This will feature Sharks, Bulls, Lions, Stormers, Cheetahs, Griquas and Pumas.
All log points will then be carried forward into the second round — the Currie Cup from November 28 to January 9 2021 — which will culminate in semifinals on January 16 and a final on January 23 2021.