Rassie casts eye over Loftus
POLLARD: THE INTENSITY WILL BE IMMENSE FOR THE FULL 80 MINUTES
Both teams will have a well-deserved rest next weekend.
Don’t expect Bulls or Sharks supporters to be the most anxious observers in this afternoon’s Super Rugby derby at Loftus Versfeld. That’s reserved for Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus.
Having already been dealt the blow this week of Lood de Jager being a serious doubt for the World Cup later this year due to shoulder surgery, various crucial players are in action in a match that arguably only increases the chance of someone picking up a major niggle.
Complicating things further is the fact that both teams have a bye next week.
And Bok flyhalf Handre Pollard neatly outlines what that scenario means.
“With the Sharks and us having a break next week, it means that everyone is going to give their all this weekend,” said the Bulls’ stand-in skipper.
“I think the intensity from both sides will be immense for the full 80 minutes.”
Sharks coach Robert du Preez agrees.
“It’s a South African derby. It’s always a massively physical game,” he said.
“We’re going to have to up for it and compete our best against that assault. The collisions are where the game is won or lost.”
With national members such as Schalk Brits, Duane Vermeulen, Pollard, Sbu Nkosi, Lukhanyo Am, Jesse Kriel and Beast Mtawarira all involved, those aren’t particularly comforting thoughts to Erasmus.
In all honesty, the timing of the game is unfortunate for the Springbok mentor, because it also makes franchise coaches reluctant to rest their national stars.
Even the eternally friendly Pote Human was pretty emphatic that national interest would have to take a back seat this weekend.
“It’s a difficult issue,” the Bulls coach said.
“Our planning was that we wanted to get the first four games of the season out of the way. We have a bye next week and then we’ll see how we can accommodate some rest for guys like Handre Pollard, Schalk Brits and Duane Vermeulen.”
At least there isn’t a lack of communication on the matter.
“We do have an agreement with Rassie and SA Rugby. It’s a long road to the tournament. We’ll manage them wherever possible. We have to manage them,” said Human.
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