Sharks face defensive test
The Durban outfit have been honest about their substandard defence in the opening two rounds of the domestic tournament. The Sharks have conceded seven tries in two matches and forwards coach Ryan Strudwick admitted they needed to improve that aspect of their game if they are to weather the Lions’ attacking onslaught.
The former UKZN Impi coach said moving Andre Esterhuizen back to inside centre was strategic – as they look to nullify a very dangerous Lions backline.
“Our defence has been a problem, we have been leaking tries. With the threat the Lions possess with Howard Mnisi and their two really quick wings, we felt we needed to get some physicality in the midfield. Andre is the man for the job weighing in at just over 100 kilograms so we’re hoping he can curb that,” Strudwick said.
South Africa’s rugby fortress Ellis Park has been treated to some spectacular running by the Johannesburg outfit in the past two years. After a few seasons lamenting at the bottom of the SupeRugby log, the Lions managed to find their form and have played a unique and entertaining brand of rugby.
Sharks captain Marco Wentzel likened defending against the Lions’ style of play to playing Australian and New Zealand sides.
“Firstly from their side, the place the space and attack a bit like the New Zealanders. They play with the space and vary their attack. They are tough to defend against and they have a very good set piece so it’s good to have experienced guys like Dale Chadwick coming back in. From our side, we don’t want to use it as an excuse, but defence is a living thing and we have a lot of youngsters and we had a lot nervous energy. It’s good to have some guys in key positions that are a bit more experienced that take pressure off the young guys, know how the system works and can read the game a bit better,” Wentzel said.
While the Highveld side will test the Sharks out wide, Strudwick hoped his pack would be up for the task at the set piece. A number of young faces have packed down in the Currie Cup but have faced a baptism of fire.
“Look they’ve got a lot to prove, we’ve struggled in the first two games in the front row. We’re giving away a number of penalties, but it seems to be a trend across all the games not just ours it’s just the way the laws are and the way their reffing it,” the coach said.
“Every week is a challenge for a front row; I don’t think you’ll find any guy going into a match thinking it’s going to be easy. We will keep persevering with Thomas on the tighthead, we know he’s young there but we believe it’s his position for the future. Yes, he might be taking some strain at times but there is no point tossing him aside. Hopefully in the next two years or so he’ll be a Springbok in that position,” he added.
The Sharks face the Lions at 17h05 on Saturday.
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