Sharks will depend on moments
Against Province they know they cannot lose focus for a second or they will suffer
THROUGHOUT this Currie Cup season the hosts of the final have seemed almost untouchable. Western Province cruised through the group stages unhindered, and even thrashed their semi-final opponents in 40 minutes at a sodden Loftus Versfeld in the last regular game.
However, when Province and the Bulls met in the semi-final the following week – in Cape Town – the home side suddenly looked far more vulnerable as the men from Pretoria went full tilt and piled on the pressure. The Bulls targeted key areas of Province’s game, such as the line-outs and their free-flowing attack, and this put the well-oiled Cape machine off its keel.
Suddenly, Province looked a bit rattled, and the Bulls had opened the shutters for the Sharks to see.
“You have to put Western Province under pressure, they don’t like that … The semi-final game for me showed that you can’t underestimate anyone,” coach Robert du Preez said.
“The previous week the Bulls were down and out by half-time, but then they came back and produced a fantastic performance and were unlucky to lose in the end. But it all has to be about us now … and the good thing is that there is a great spirit in the team, which will stand us in good stead in the final.”
The Sharks are also looking for the little things to go their way, and seeing as they came through their semi-final unscathed, and even a little quicker than Province, they feel there may be a little advantage over the Cape side in terms of rest and recuperation.
“They have played an extra 20 minutes, and were stressed for that extra-time, and they were also playing in the later game last Saturday. It will all come down to those one percenters.
“Playing at home, there is always a lot of pressure on you, but we’re just grateful to be in the final, and it now comes down to how you perform on the day.”
The Sharks have made minimal changes to their side, but have bolstered it with the inclusion of Springbok hard-man, Jean-Luc du Preez.
He comes in at No 7 as Tyler Paul shifts to No 6, showing his versatility.
“Tyler has had an unbelievable season, and he’s a great guy to have in the team, he does a lot of the unseen hard work,” Du Preez commented.
“It’s also good to have Jean-Luc back in the mix, we know it’s going to be an abrasive battle, so that’s why we selected him.”
The Sharks have also been forced to make a change that adds a lot of excitement, but cuts down on their experience, as Aphelele Fassi comes in on the wing to replace Lwazi Mvovo who is injured.
“Fassi has had a great season too, and hopefully this will be the cherry on top. It’s unfortunate that Lwazi didn’t make it, but Fassi is a morethan-capable replacement,” Du Preez concluded.