Vodacom Super Rugby is just three days away and for a Cell C Sharks side ready to host the Vodacom Bulls at JONSSON KINGS PARK on Friday evening, this is the chance to put together a performance that reflects the hard work done in pre-season.
For assistant coach Brent Janse van Rensburg, these are exciting times.
“There’s a fresh flavour with new players and new staff with lots of energy brought by the players,” he explains. But now it’s time to shine.
“It’s been a long preseason and it’s nice to get some rugby going. We’re hoping the guys execute what we’ve been training for, and if they stand up on the day, I think the future for The Sharks is bright. There are a lot of talented youngsters at this union, some incredible talent, hopefully, they will enjoy a long association with The Sharks.”
There have been two warm-up matches and against the Stormers in particular, a dress rehearsal for Friday’s game, the forwards stood up and that pleases the coach.
“The forwards gave a spirited performance against the Stormers and if we can just keep that energy going and plan well weekly, focus on that process, then what will be, will be. But the guys are certainly very keen to play.”
With a new coaching staff come new ideas and different playing philosophies. The style to be employed this year is a high tempo, high energy game that will excite and entertain.
“Whatever style you play, certain things remain unchanged, like gaining momentum and stopping the opposition. We’ve made adjustments according to the players we have and there have been a number of changes. We have mobile forwards and what’s important for us is handling the transitional play well if we’re going to be moving the ball around.
“We know we need to be smart in our preparation because it’s all going to come down to the execution of our game plan.”
Looking ahead to this week’s game, the excitement in the camp – players and staff alike – is palpable.
“South African derbies are special, the personality of the game changes, the physicality and intensity rises, so I expect quite an intense affair on Friday night.
“They will certainly want to get dominance and go-forward ball, their forwards are good from structured and set-piece play and we expect them to kick a lot behind the defensive line.
“The key thing for us is to handle the set-piece attack, handle the kicking game and to stop the momentum. We can’t allow them to get quick ball over the gain line because if they do, they put you under immense pressure and they get life from that.
“I think the plan is right for the week, it just comes down to final preparation and the execution on Friday.”
The post The Time Is Here appeared first on The Sharks.
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