History in the making for the Sharks

DATE with destiny. That’s what the Sharks will have to deal with when they take on Crusaders in the Super Rugby semi-final in Christchurch on Saturday.

Will it be mission accomplished, or mission impossible?

The Sharks, certainly, will start as underdogs but they are known to excel when the going gets tough.

If they win in New Zealand then it will be history in the making.

This past weekend Highlanders were the favourites to beat the Sharks in the play off to advance to the semis. And what happened?

The Sharks were victorious, albeit by a narrow margin with the winning points coming in the dying seconds.

Remember the clash between these two teams in May, during the pool stages of the competition?

Sharks beat the Crusaders in their backyard, even with a man short after Jean Deysel was sent off.

Victory for the Sharks was sweet then, but for Crusaders it has brought back bitter memories.

During that match Crusaders were without some of their key players, including Daniel Carter.

However, this time round the home team will be at full strength. With the whole of Christchurch (and New Zealand) behind them, they would certainly start as favourites.

But don’t underestimate the Sharks’ resolve to rise to the occasion. They have done it before, and it would not come as a surprise if they did it again.

Saturday’s clash will be a “do or die” battle and every South African rugby follower will be rooting for a Sharks victory. The Sharks, skippered by the wily Bismark Du Plessis, are not short of talent.

The Sharks players are prepared to put their bodies on the line, for their province and the country.

They play with commitment and passion. Players such as the Baby Boks star, Thomas Du Toit, Tendai “The Beast” Mtawaria, Patrick Lambie, and Frans Steyn can all, collectively, exploit their skills and talent to secure a Sharks victory.

Here’s wishing out team the best of luck on the world stage!