Sharks wary of a Cheetahs backlash in Bloemfontein

WE can take it as read that all players’ ears have been hotly warmed in both the Sharks and Cheetahs camps ahead of today’s big derby clash in Bloemfontein, and this game is going to be a humdinger – not unlike the Cheetahs against the Bulls in Bloemfontein in round two, where the host team outlasted the visitors.

The Sharks are coming off a win that could well have been a loss to a Kings team that many are targeting for demotion from Super Rugby,

Yet, with no resources, the Kings came within nine minutes of beating a Sharks team that had all the resources in the world, and had a fantastic pre-season campaign.

The Cheetahs in turn have gone downhill since beating the Bulls and were subject to a 40-point walloping against the Jaguares in Buenos Aires last week.

There does appear to be a better balance to the Sharks’ backline now that Clement Poitrenaud has been declared fit to take up his place at fullback, while Curwin Bosch comes in at flyhalf, where he will need to take control of proceedings.

The Cheetahs have also returned to full strength after last weekend’s disaster in Argentina, receiving a considerable boost with prop Ox Nche, wing Raymond Rhule, flank Nico Lee, centre Francois Venter and wing Sergeal Petersen all back from injury.

Interestingly, the Sharks have won eight of their last 11 games against the Cheetahs, including both of their last two in which they’ve conceded a total of 20 points, and their defence will again need to be at its best tomorrow

This is a game in which it is hard to pick the winner, but with home-ground advantage the Cheetahs may just edge it given that they will be confident, and they can replicate the intensity they would have brought to the Bulls match in round two.

The Cheetahs were caned by the Jaguares in Argentina, the Sharks bordered on pathetic before scrambling to a win in Durban against the Kings.

So which line-up will pitch for the 5pm kick-off today? The Cheetahs who were outstanding in the intensity they brought to beat the Bulls, or the Sharks side who were superb in beating the Brumbies in Canberra and the Waratahs in Durban?

“I would say that on both sides... all players have been revved up and the match is going to be a cracker between two sides determined to show they are the real deal,” said Sharks coach Robert du Preez.

“We were not happy with that performance at home against the Kings before close to 20 000 people,” the coach said.

“We have put it behind us, we are energised, our meetings and practices have been short and sweet and we ready to go.”

Du Preez has dropped last week’s debutant flyhalf, Benhard Janse van Rensburg, for Bosch, who is free to move up to from fullback to flyhalf because Poitrenaud is over a groin injury and is able to resume in the No 15 jersey.

“It was very hard to drop Benhard after just one game,” Du Preez said of the 20 year-old from Leopards country.

“I do not like doing this. This game is very important for us, and Curwin has been playing there all the time and giving us good rewards.

“While I am very happy forCurwin to be there, last week it would have been difficult for Benhard or any other 10 to play well and give us shape on attack, given that we did not perform up front, especially in the set phases.

“We will hear a lot more about Benhard and he will spend time now in the SA Under-20 squad. That name is not going to go away,” Du Preez added. “It is exciting to have him and Inny Radebe going forward.”

Interestingly, Du Preez added that it was his fervent hope that a successor to the old Vodacom Cup would emerge to give game time to the players in his greater squad.

“We need to get another competition running concurrently with Super Rugby,” he said. It is a big a frustration for coaches and players.”

Du Preez has refreshed his front row for the match against the Cheetahs, bringing back rested contracted Springboks in props Coenie Oosthuizen and Tendai Mtawarira.

Former Bok Chiliboy Ralepelle continues at hooker because of an ongoing injury to Franco Marais.

“We are at full strength for a hugely important game,” said Du Preez.

“We know the Cheetahs will be playing that great brand of rugby they played to beat the Bulls, and we have to be ready for that, and then go one better. “

MASTER PLAN: Sharks coach Robert du Preez, left, is hoping his side can recover from their poor showing against the Kings last week, and has selected Curwin Bosch, right, as his playmaker. BACKPAGEPIX