Sharks coach wants us to play with freedom, says Cronje
VETERAN flyhalf Lionel Cronje has made a big impact on the Sharks’ attacking play since he arrived two months ago on loan from Japan’s Toyota Verblitz.
And if he steers the Sharks to a Currie Cup semi-final win over Griquas on Saturday, followed by success in the final, some of the credit might indirectly go to a famous pair of Wallabies.
In 2014, Cronje spent a season at the Brumbies after Jake White brought him to Canberra, and although not a regular in the team, he soaked up some serious expertise.
“I was in Canberra for eight months, and I was coached by absolute legends in George Gregan and Stephen Larkham,” Cronje said. “They made me a vastly improved player.”
That was seven years ago, and the much-travelled Cronje subsequently had a (first) season with the Sharks in 2015 and then had an impressive two years at the Southern Kings, captaining them at a time when they played some sensational rugby, with Cronje marshalling a backline that boasted try-scoring sensations in Lukhanyo Am and Makazole Mapimpi.
But when the latter two made their way to Durban, Cronje followed White to Japan and Toyota Verblitz, where he has been ever since.
The South African pair helped the club win the national championship in Japan in 2019, and now Cronje would desperately like to add a Currie Cup title to his CV.
“It is the oldest competition in the world, and winning it is something all South Africans want to do, and I think the Sharks have a good opportunity to do it this year,” Cronje said.
Despite a hiccup last week against Western Province in a game that was of academic interest only to the Sharks, Cronje believes the team is on a sharp upward trajectory.
“The Sharks want to play a captivating brand of rugby, an attacking brand that is different to the rest of South Africa,” he said.
“Sean (Everitt) is a positive coach, and wants us to play with expression and freedom.”
And then there is the evolving support staff at the Sharks that now includes former Springbok defence coach John Mcfarland and Ireland age-group coach Noel Mcnamara, who is coaching attack, both of whom have been in Durban for the last month.
“Noel has made a big impact. He is vibrant and is clear and precise about what he wants,” Cronje said.
“He has high standards and works closely with the players, and they are very clear about what is expected of them.
“When the Sharks go into the United Rugby Championship, Noel’s insight into the opposition players and conditions will give us a very good inside lane.”
Mcfarland spend over a decade with the Bulls working under Heyneke Meyer, and then filled the same role at the Boks when Meyer was the coach.
“John has been awesome, he has won five Currie Cups and is passionate about South African rugby,” Cronje said. “He knows what he wants, and our defence has definitely improved in recent weeks.”