Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Sharks hope to ‘fix things’ with a win over Lions
Gold’s troops embarrassed by 50-point loss
A WEEK in sport can feel like a long time, and after what has probably seemed like an absolute age for the Sharks, the Durban side will finally have the opportunity to banish the ghosts of last Saturday’s loss when they return to action this evening.
Perhaps more than anything, the Sharks will be desperate to produce a performance of passion and pride against the in- form Lions, which would go a long way to wiping the slate clean after their listless display against the Crusaders.
Earlier this week, stand-in skipper Marco Wentzel certainly had a steely look of determination in his eyes as he described just how the Sharks planned to turn their fortunes around.
“The Crusaders game is gone and we’ve learned our lessons, we’ve all apologised and it’s behind us now. It’s a new week, we’ve got a few new players coming in, and it’s very exciting for those who have the opportunity to play.
“I’m also excited to lead them, everyone has a new chance and that’s what’s great about it. It’s going to be a tough ask against the Lions in Johannesburg, but we’re putting on the Sharks jersey, which means a lot to us, and we’re going to give it a full go.”
And after a week when the Sharks have been stung by the “tsunami of discontent and negativity from the public” – as director of rugby Gary Gold put it – there is plenty of pride at stake this evening.
“It was heartbreaking and embarrassing for us to concede 50 points last weekend,” Wentzel honestly admitted. Sharks have had to face one challenge after another in recent weeks, with injuries, suspensions and mandated Springbok player rest adding to a number of untimely distractions and disruptions.
Nevertheless, Wentzel emphasised that the mood in the camp remained upbeat.
“It’s been a tough few weeks for us, and there are lots of excuses we could use, but we won’t because we have a good squad, great vibe and we are happy with Gary and each other,” he revealed.
So what do the Sharks need to do this evening to come away with a positive result?
“The first thing is to keep 15 guys on the pitch and then execute the plans we have,” Wentzel answered. “We haven’t played our brand of rugby or defended the way we want to. That’s the main thing, we want to stick to our game plan defensively and on attack.”
In this regard, the Sharks will just be looking to keep it simple this evening, with their basics having really let them down against the Saders.
Just as importantly, though, the Sharks need to find the tempo, intensity and hunger to outwork their opponents for 80 minutes, and to display the sort of determination and desire that was sorely lacking from their efforts last Saturday.
Over the last few weeks, this is something the Lions have done to perfection as they’ve recorded three victories on tour before impressively overcoming the Bulls last weekend.
In fact, the Sharks could well take a leaf out the Lions’ playbook, with coach Johan Ackermann highlighting what had been working for them.
“We are playing with good discipline in recent times and I am sure the players will keep on doing that,” Ackermann said. “We have created a culture of responsibility in our group and players know what we expect from them. The best way to stay out of trouble is always to keep your focus on executing the game plan.”
And so for the Sharks, in light of everything that has gone on in recent weeks, today’s battle is going to provide a real test of their character and resolve.
“Last Saturday didn’t go our way, we found ourselves on the back end of a hiding, but we know we’re a better team than that, even with some senior players missing,” Gold emphasised. “The Lions will have gained plenty of confidence and camaraderie from going on tour and winning three out of four, and then coming home and beating the Bulls.
“So this is a proper team we are going up against, and it’s going to be an unbelievable challenge for us, but one that we’re looking forward to.”