Sharks expect Hurricanes onslaught
The Cell C Sharks are expecting the Hurricanes to bring a lot of physicality when they meet in their Super Rugby quarterfinal clash on Saturday.
After a long trip to New Zealand, the Sharks will be hoping to rest up and do some last minute polishing before they face the Super Rugby log leaders.
Director of Rugby Gary Gold will be able to pick most of his first choice players, bar the injured and ineligible Pat Lambie, for the clash. Upfront, he has most of his big name forwards back in the mix. Captain Beast Mtawarira is all too familiar with New Zealand opposition and he is expecting a physical onslaught.
“Firstly when you go up against a New Zealand side you know you are going to have to front up physically. They will bring it and look to bully you upfront, especially against South African teams – that is something they try to do,” the Sharks skipper said.
“A good start is very important, especially playing at Westpac. It’s a big stadium, different conditions and we will have to make sure we start well and get into the game from the onset.”
Echoing his captain’s sentiments was Stephan Lewies. The Springbok lock has finally enjoyed a season free of serious injury and has provided some real stability for the Sharks in the second row.
He knows how important the set piece battle will be.
“It’s one of our strengths so we want to use that against them. They have the All Blacks hooker Dane Coles playing for them, they are not a team to take lightly and we will have to be at our best,” Lewies said.
“Etienne and I have been playing together since 2014 so it’s quite a bit of time that we’ve spent together in the second row. The lineout is a confidence thing, and if you stick together with the same people, it makes it a lot easier. We’ve been going well and it will be a big focus point this weekend.
On a personal note, Lewies said he was happy to have had an extended run this season. The Sharks missed his presence last year when he was laid low with a knee injury – and he admitted it was pleasing to be back in the mix.
“For me it’s been great getting back into the season, it’s been a whole season without bad injuries, despite the little niggles here and there. For me coming back and slowly getting into form was one of my goals and to contribute to the team. I think so far so good, I’ve really enjoyed the young group, we have a whole load of young players coupled with some senior okes that have huge experience and they’ve really been helping me get back to my best,” Lewies said.
The Sharks face the Hurricanes on Saturday morning. Kickoff is at 09h35 South African time.
Twitter - @gazza_jenks @ECRSportswave
Facebook - ECRSportswave