Jaguares more intelligent this season - Claassens
Cell C Sharks and the Jaguares will clash in Vodacom Super Rugby action in Durban this Saturday.
Listen to the full interview here, or read our story below.
Kickoff is at 15h05.
The Sharks and Jaguares are level on points in the Super Rugby standings, but the Sharks have played a game more.
Sharks scrumhalf, Michael Claassens, feels the Jaguares will be difficult opponents at Growthpoint Kings Park this weekend.
"We have had a look at the Jaguares. There is so much Super Rugby on the TV and you end up watching all the games. We have looked at the Jaguares and they are a very tough side to play against,'' Claassens said.
Claassens believes the Jaguares will pose a somewhat different challenge to South African opposition.
"They are a temperamental side. Their players tend to be emotional. I played with a few Argentinians overseas and they are very competitive and good footballers. They are a different side to play against. They are also very physical. I think this year they are playing more intelligently than last season. Last year they tended to play from everywhere, while this season they are a bit more conservative in terms of where they attack from. However, they remain an aggressive team," Claassens added.
Claassens expected more from the Jaguares last season and feels they probably needed time to find their feet in Super Rugby.
"I expected a much more competitive Jaguares team last season. They have the same team and almost all of them also play for Argentina as well. It could well be a case of them having needed more time to gel. This year they are a different team," Claassens said.
Claassens believes discipline could be key against the physical Jaguares and feels it is an area in which the Sharks have done well this season.
"Our discipline as a team has been very good this season. Last week against the Lions we gave away a few more penalties than we usually do. However, discipline is important to us and especially against a temperamental side like the Jaguares. We have to stay disciplined and make sure we don't get involved in scraps off the ball. You put yourself under pressure when you give away penalties. So discipline is always important to us," Claassens said.
The Sharks were beaten 34-29 by the Lions in Johannesburg last weekend. Claassens admits to great disappointment at losing to the Lions.
"It is very disappointing to play that well and still end up losing the game. However, the guys will definitely bounce back. Everyone was very positive after the Lions game. We knew we could have won there if a few things had gone our way. We have this week to fix things and make sure we beat the Jaguares. It is a must-win game for us," Claassens added.
Claassens is confident the Sharks will not be flat in the wake of their big game against the Lions.
"No. 100% not. We have had a few days off and some of the guys went to the Springboks. Everyone is back now and I think the guys will definitely be up for this game. It is the last game before we have a bye and we know we have to win it. It is very important that we move ahead of the Jaguares in our group," Claassens concluded.
The Sharks and Jaguares are level on points in the Super Rugby standings, but the Sharks have played a game more.
Sharks scrumhalf, Michael Claassens, feels the Jaguares will be difficult opponents at Growthpoint Kings Park this weekend.
"We have had a look at the Jaguares. There is so much Super Rugby on the TV and you end up watching all the games. We have looked at the Jaguares and they are a very tough side to play against,'' Claassens said.
Claassens believes the Jaguares will pose a somewhat different challenge to South African opposition.
"They are a temperamental side. Their players tend to be emotional. I played with a few Argentinians overseas and they are very competitive and good footballers. They are a different side to play against. They are also very physical. I think this year they are playing more intelligently than last season. Last year they tended to play from everywhere, while this season they are a bit more conservative in terms of where they attack from. However, they remain an aggressive team," Claassens added.
Claassens expected more from the Jaguares last season and feels they probably needed time to find their feet in Super Rugby.
"I expected a much more competitive Jaguares team last season. They have the same team and almost all of them also play for Argentina as well. It could well be a case of them having needed more time to gel. This year they are a different team," Claassens said.
Claassens believes discipline could be key against the physical Jaguares and feels it is an area in which the Sharks have done well this season.
"Our discipline as a team has been very good this season. Last week against the Lions we gave away a few more penalties than we usually do. However, discipline is important to us and especially against a temperamental side like the Jaguares. We have to stay disciplined and make sure we don't get involved in scraps off the ball. You put yourself under pressure when you give away penalties. So discipline is always important to us," Claassens said.
The Sharks were beaten 34-29 by the Lions in Johannesburg last weekend. Claassens admits to great disappointment at losing to the Lions.
"It is very disappointing to play that well and still end up losing the game. However, the guys will definitely bounce back. Everyone was very positive after the Lions game. We knew we could have won there if a few things had gone our way. We have this week to fix things and make sure we beat the Jaguares. It is a must-win game for us," Claassens added.
Claassens is confident the Sharks will not be flat in the wake of their big game against the Lions.
"No. 100% not. We have had a few days off and some of the guys went to the Springboks. Everyone is back now and I think the guys will definitely be up for this game. It is the last game before we have a bye and we know we have to win it. It is very important that we move ahead of the Jaguares in our group," Claassens concluded.
Twitter - @SportswaveAndre