The Sharks have confirmed that a group of players will miss Saturday’s clash with Cardiff in Durban to fly out early to London for the EPCR Challenge Cup final. DYLAN JACK reports.
With less than a week separating their penultimate round Vodacom URC match against Cardiff from next Friday’s European final, the Sharks will be using a split squad system to make sure that the team that takes on Gloucester has enough time to prepare for the match.
The Sharks have little other than pride and momentum to gain from their remaining URC games, as they are already out of the race for the top eight.
However, John Plumtree’s side has a shot at becoming the first South African team to win European silverware and, by so doing, qualify automatically for next season’s Champions Cup.
During an online press conference on Wednesday, defence coach Joey Mongalo revealed that a group of Sharks players and coaches will be flying to London on Saturday, while the remaining squad will fly out on Sunday.
Mongalo explained that there is still plenty to gain from Saturday’s match against Cardiff, with places in the team to face Gloucester in the final still up for grabs.
“This game will have an impact on us collectively. We are a squad together. The guys who are playing on Saturday have been an integral part of the group. They are almost the unsung heroes.
“Every week they have to prepare opposition plays and act like the opposition in order to help the usual starting lineup give the best performance they can produce on a Saturday.
“These guys are getting an opportunity to showcase what they have been doing in the shadows out in the light. The squad is excited. The team that is playing against Gloucester can’t wait to see, because they know the potential in these players.
“There are also spots in that team that will play against Gloucester that are still up for grabs. There will definitely be guys putting their hands up individually, but also showing they can play well enough in the system to convince people that they are worth flying to join the squad at the Lensbury Hotel.”
Honing in on the game against Cardiff, Mongalo identified South African flyhalf Tinus de Beer as a particular threat that the Sharks will have to keep an eye on during the match.
“Tinus has probably been one of the best buys of the entire URC campaign. I’m a massive lover of the Currie Cup. He played in the final and that’s where he got seen.
“Now he is carrying that Cardiff team. He’s massive for them. He’s got nearly the most kick metres and I think he has kicked the most kicks. So this is a team that kicks long and defends well.
“They’ve also got the second-least penalties conceded. So it says a lot about their ability to defend for many phases without giving penalties away. Their tackle-fight is quite good, which allows them to set for the next phase.”
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
