Sharks in semi-final dress rehearsal for Challenge Cup
ON FRIDAY night the Sharks play a United Rugby Championship match against the Scarlets that doubles as a dress rehearsal for next week’s Challenge Cup semi-final against Clermont Auvergne in London.
The log points at stake are of little consequence, but the performance’s quality is vital. We look at five things the Durbanites must get right in this match with an eye on Clermont.
Make a statement
The Sharks’ marketing department has released a clever “call-to-arms” poster advert on social media ahead of the semi-final against Clermont. That game takes place at the home ground of Harlequins, The Stoop. The poster says “Make The Stoop our Stoep!” It is an appeal to South Africans in the greater London area to attend the game. But the best way to attract Sharks fans is to destroy the Scarlets on Friday night.
Get the selection balance right
The advert features photos of Eben Etzebeth and Bongi Mbonambi looking suitably stern. These two seasoned Springboks will be the most important pillars in the Sharks pack against Clermont. They are also senior players who need to be managed. Coach John Plumtree has to correctly gauge how much action to give them against the Scarlets. They mustn’t be overplayed.
Unleash the Weekend Special
Plumtree won’t be shy to give extended game time to red-hot Aphelele Fassi, one of the group rested for the Warriors. He was Player of the Match in the quarter-final defeat of Edinburgh and dominated stats released by the United Rugby Championship organisers last week.
Fassi led the URC in two categories – the 967 metres he had gained with ball in hand was 150 metres more than any other player in the competition. His 18 clean breaks were also the most.
Don’t underestimate the Scarlets
The Welsh teams have had a horror URC in general but they are finishing strongly. The Stormers will tell you as much after their shock loss to the Ospreys. Last week the Scarlets were leading Edinburgh at half time in the Scottish capital before fading in the second. Plumtree knows Welsh rugby in detail and how well he knows one of the Scarlets flanks on Friday night, his son Taine. The Scarlets have some nifty players, including current Wales internationals in flyhalf Sam Costelow and scrumhalf Gareth Davies.
Polish the tactics
It is hard to say now what the weather will be like at the Stoop, but even if skies are clear, the pitch will not be as fast as Hollywoodbets Kings Park. This match in Llanelli allows playmakers Jaden Hendrikse and Siya Masuku the opportunity to perfect their approach between playing for territory and running the ball. Given the power of the Sharks’ pack, Masuku will want to keep the ball in front of Etzebeth and Co.*