Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
A feast in Bloem tonight
Running rugby on menu for Kaplan’s Super centenary
THIS weekend’s first full round of Super Rugby action kicked- off with a high-scoring and highly compelling clash between the Chiefs and Highlanders yesterday morning, and there is certainly every reason to belief that this evening’s Sharks v Cheetahs encounter in Bloemfontein could offer up another feast of entertainment.
The Sharks won over many fans last year with their attractive ballin-hand style of play, while the Cheetahs – who tend to be many supporters’ “second team” – were full of running rugby.
While the desperation of teams to ensure they start their Super Rugby campaign on a winning note can often lead to a low- risk approach being adopted initially, both the Sharks and Cheetahs teams picked for this evening’s clash boast a number of attackminded players.
During the week, Sharks coach John Plumtree spoke of the need to select a side that could defensively cope with the pace and genuine threats offered by an exciting Cheetahs backline, which includes the likes of Johan Goosen and Raymond Rhule.
By the same token, though, the Sharks also possess electrifying speed among talented backs such as nippy No 9 Cobus Reinach, young centre Paul Jordaan and Lwazi ‘Vroom Vroom’ Mvovo, who are some of the quickest players in their position.
A back- row unit of Jacques Botes, Marcell Coetzee and Ryan Kankowski will also offer plenty of mobility, with the latter returning to the No 8 position after a sixmonth stint playing in Japan.
“Speed-wise, you could compare the rugby played in Japan to Super Rugby, but the contact and physi- cality doesn’t come close,” Kankowski described. “They love running the ball and it’s an expansive style of rugby, yet easy on the body.”
Kankowski finished last year’s competition as one of South Africa’s leading No 8s, and said he was confident of being able to quickly readjust to the physicality of Super Rugby.
“I played the weekend before I got back (to Durban), so it isn’t like I’m not contact fit. Obviously it wasn’t quite Super Rugby level, and contact and physicality is something I am working on especially when compared to the rest of the squad, but I am one-up on some of them with regards to match fitness.
“I got stuck into the gym when I returned and I feel good and refreshed. I’m really looking forward to getting back into Super Rugby and giving my all to the Sharks.”
Kankowski will scrum down at the back of a formidable Sharks pack for this evening’s clash, which is where the Durban side look to have a definite edge.
A strong defence, good discipline and an effective set-piece will also be of utmost importance, and Kankowski emphasised that the Sharks were confident they were as well prepared as they possibly could be for this opening encounter.
“Playing the Cheetahs at home is always a massive challenge, as is always the case with South African derbies. With this being a conference game, it becomes even more important. But we’ve been working really hard on our game to get our structures in place so we can try and play the best we can.
“A lot of hard work has been done and we’re building towards something special.”
This evening’s match also marks a special occasion for Durban- born referee Jonathan Kaplan, who will take charge of his 100th Super Rugby match.
Sanzar CEO Greg Peters paid tribute to Kaplan, who has already publicly stated his intention to retire at the end of the current rugby season, making this, his 16th Super Rugby campaign, his last.
“Jonathan has always been a referee who empathises with the game, and therefore has enabled teams to play with confidence,” Peters said.
“It is indeed a very special moment for JK, and a great occasion for the refereeing team in Super Rugby.”