Sharks seek momentum against Ulster
ROHAN Janse van Rensburg says the Sharks have “to take responsibility” and ensure they perform week in and week out whether or not they have their Springboks.
The stocky centre said the Sharks have to mentally pitch up for Ulster at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday (2pm) and deliver the goods.
“The most important thing is that we get the mental side of the game right against Ulster,” the former Springbok said. “This is a massive game for us after having found some rhythm last week against the Lions — we must build momentum now as a team and grow our confidence because all of the guys currently in the squad are good enough to play at this level (United Rugby Championship).”
Van Rensburg is alluding to the fact that the Sharks have been excellent when they are at full strength but they go missing when they are not, with the second-tier of players seemingly unable to step up. But Van Rensburg says this is nonsense.
“We can’t talk about the players that are missing. This team must develop and we have quality players wanting to perform and we must all be accountable,” the 28-year-old said. “The players we have are good enough and we must take responsibility for every game.
“After the Stormers game (the heavy defeat in Durban) we did a lot of thinking about what we stand for and that is an exciting brand of the Sharks going forward,” he added.
Last year Van Rensburg returned to South Africa to join the Sharks after five years at Sale in the English Premiership and he has added better distribution skills to his hard running.
“A big thing I learnt over there is how to play the conditions because you are dealing with the wet, snow, and even very hot weather,” Van Rensburg added. “And funnily enough in Durban, we play in humidity which is the same thing as the rain of England in terms of a slippery ball, so I feel at home when it comes to the game management required.”
Ulster will be without a few players who are on national duty in the Six Nations but Van Rensburg says this will make little difference.
“This is Ulster. They are like Leinster — super well drilled and with these teams, your margin for error is way less.
“But we have them here on our home turf and we have to use that advantage. Every point matters on Saturday, every log point is crucial and every week is huge for us as we try and climb the ladder towards the top five.”