Du Preez seeks scrum stability
COACH: IT’S ABOUT THE PACK, FORWARD DOMINANCE
Stormers pack too unsteady during setup for Sharks’ liking.
Sharks coach Robert du Preez is hoping a word with the match officials provides the miracle cure for his embattled forwards as they prepare to take on the strong Stormers pack in their Super Rugby match at King’s Park today.
The Sharks were badly beaten up front by the Bulls in last weekend’s 40-10 hiding and the last time they hosted the team from Cape Town in Durban, it was the Currie Cup final, famously won by Western Province with a massive display of forward power, particularly in the scrums. Tighthead prop Wilco Louw, their nemesis that day, is back at King’s Park.
But Du Preez – who will be without scrum anchor Tendai Mtawarira due to a groin injury – has cast doubt on the legality of the Stormers scrum.
“We’re a bit concerned with the stability of their scrums and we spoke to the officials about it. We just feel they are very unstable on the set-up. Not having Beast is obviously a loss because he brings massive experience and a lot of passion and aggression with his leadership. But Juan Schoeman must step up and he has done that.
“It’s going to be all about the pack and forward dominance, if we don’t get that then it’s going to be a long afternoon for us. Scrums and lineouts, the set-piece battle, will be crucial and we know they will try and target us there, but we will be ready,” Du Preez said.
After the embarrassment of the Bulls defeat, it might be difficult for the Sharks to regain the confidence and spark they showed in New Zealand, but the return of lethal finisher Makazole Mapimpi, who had been rested after a continuous run of Super Rugby and Pro14 matches for the Southern Kings, on the wing should at least redress the lack of attacking bite they showed last weekend.
“We were all very disappointed and really hurt by last weekend, but we’ve got to put it behind us and look forward. It’s obviously tough but this is another opportunity and the guys are well-rested two weeks after the tour and are energised for what is a very important game for both sides.
“Makazole hasn’t played for a while and is itching to get back on the field.
“He will bring a lot of good stuff on attack and hopefully we can create opportunities for him. But defence will also be a big part of the plan and at lineout time we have to make sure we stop their mauls, we’ve worked hard on that. A win this weekend will turn our season around,” Du Preez said.
Kick-off: 5.15pm