Sharks target weakened Cheetahs

Ken Borland

The Sharks made a good start to the Currie Cup with their impressive win over the Blue Bulls, but they now require consistency, according to fullback Curwin Bosch (right), if they are not to fall short as they did in Super Rugby.

A Super Rugby campaign that was marked by brilliant performances and dreadful ones, often on successive weekends, ended in the quarterfinals in Christchurch. In a shortened Currie Cup, with only the top four advancing to a semifinal, such inconsistency will see last year’s finalists fall well short.

The most impressive features of the Sharks’ 26-10 win over the Blue Bulls were their scrambling defence and their success in quickly reloading once they had turned over possession. They are aspects they will want to repeat this weekend when they visit the Free State Cheetahs, who will be fielding a new XV after their top squad left for the resumption of Pro14 rugby.

“It’s very important that we focus on what we want to achieve up there, whatever team they put out against us,” Bosch said.

“Of primary importance is the Sharks doing well in the Currie Cup. Usually players that get selected for higher honours come from teams that are playing well. Secondly, we must just enjoy it, that’s when you tend to play your best rugby.”