Sharks desperate to beat Lions

Following last weekend's 37-27 loss to Western Province, the Sharks are further away from the log-leading Lions and second-placed Bulls than they'd like to be. While they are still fourth on the log, the Sharks need to secure a few wins if they are to stand a chance of going into the quarterfinals of the competition.

Sharks coach Gary Gold said he was pleased with how his charges had played against Western Province last week. Despite a 15 minute period after half-time where they conceded three tries, Gold was happy with the effort his players put in.

But with four games to go, the Sharks need to win - starting with this weekend's clash against the Lions.

"We feel we let ourselves down badly in that period in the second half against Province. We had an opportunity to put ourselves in a good position on the log and now we're chasing it. It doesn't get any harder than the Lions at Ellis Park - it's a massive challenge but I choose to remain positive about this group of players," Gold said.

The Sharks are 16 points behind the log-leading Lions, while the Bulls are 12 points ahead and Western Province have a seven point buffer. It will be difficult to rise above fourth place but Gold was adamant that his side wanted to book their spot in the playoffs.

"I don't want to just settle for the fourth position, I want to go for something more. If we can get on the run and pick up a full house of the games that are left, which is going to be difficult, then funnier things have happened," Gold said.

"Our draw is slightly trickier than the Cheetahs draw, I realise that. But at the end of the day we have to concentrate on our own job and that is this clash against the Lions. It's very closely fought there at the middle of the table and hopefully our time to come right will be at the end of the competition."

The Sharks face the Lions at 14h30 on Saturday.

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(File Photo: Gallo Images)