Breaking it Down with Dawn Dunn

What was good about the game?

Funny thing that, I was on the Growthpoint Kings Park VVVIP tour of the stadium and we (the winners and I), could not view the players change room because quite a few players had come in early. This was quite unusual as it was 5 ½ hours before the match started! I immediately got such a tingly feeling, I could feel that the boys were committed to win. When The Sharks and The Cheetahs were warming up on the field, we were also there right next to them. The feeling of joy just intensified and I knew that we would win no matter what they threw at us. Now remember, The Cheetahs played really well and scored a try against us in the first 4 mins! They really dominated the collisions in the first half. I told everyone with me to calm down, we would be fine, and we were! Love it! The fans with me in the Growpoint suite were #super fans and I had an awesome time watching the match with them. We did a Mexican wave every 20 mins...love the game.
 
My #Human spirit moment during the match, was when I did my special jiggy wiggle when Lambie scored a try and Gwen (1 of the winners), jumped up and jiggyed with me in perfect rhythm. The guys cheered…lol.
 
What was bad?

The really …slower…than…molasses start that The Sharks had in the first 30 mins. It took a really nice bit of side-stepping by my Lambie to ignite the team into changing gears! I am not happy with a few of the line outs, we have work to do in that area. We seemed to lose a few more scrums than normal when Bismarck had his yellow card, which will be a huge concern in the final considering he has been cited, which is no surprise of course. We let the Cheetahs control the collisions far too easily. We were quite lucky to only have conceded 1 try in that first 30 mins. Our Sharks need to realise, that a slow start can really kill off your chances of winning. We also did not off-load quick enough and we conceded a few turnovers which is never ideal.
 
What was ugly?

The TOTAL LACK OF SUPPORT AT THE STADIUM DURING A SEMI-FINAL FROM DURBAN FANS and yes, I AM still mad at them. I am absolutely disappointed and really sad that there is no commitment to the Team, or any appreciation for what they have achieved, under really difficult circumstances this year. This was also the last home Currie Cup match this year. Ticket prices for Durban started from R80.00 and in Cape Town at Newlands prices were R250.00. The Sharks further said, that if you came in your wetsuit, you could enter free! Really, what more are we supposed to do?????? #Gatvol
 
What are your thoughts on the final?

Oh how much space have you got! Okay, we absolutely have to do the basics right. Keep the handling errors down. Treat that rugby ball as if it your newborn baby. Do NOT, I repeat, Do NOT allow Cheslin Kolbe or Gio Aplon any kind of space out wide. Kolbe is an ex Sevens player and it is normal for him to run like his feet are on fire! WP are very good at utilising space and punishing errors. We need to totally dominate the collisions. I would like the players to hold up the tackled WP players and turn the ball over. Watch the breakdown area, WP tend to tackle it like they are demented… and tend to turn over the ball by making a sheer utter nuisance of themselves. They also take their time to roll away, slowing the ball down even further. I need The Sharks to understand that the only thing that will stop them on Saturday, will be self-doubt. They need to believe in themselves, they need to give 100% for 80 mins plus. I would like to see team commitment and team respect and motivation. Last year we beat WP at home every second week, so it is far from impossible. It is an honour and a privilege to be wearing a Shark’s jersey in The Currie Cup Final of 2013. Players will be picked for end of year Bok duty based on this performance and they need to klap it like I KNOW they can. #livetosupport

Who would you like to referee the final?

Rasta Rashivenge, he is up and coming, really fit, so he can keep up with the players and is absolutely totally fair. He last refereed  for the Gold Coast 7”s Cup Final 2013 between New Zealand vs Australia. 3 Guesses as to who won! He was also a linesman on Saturday for our match.
 
- Sportswave