Sharks expect physical Toulouse
The Cell C Sharks meet French club Toulouse in their final hit out before Super Rugby – and the Durban outfit are expecting a physical onslaught from the hosts at the Stade Toulousain.
Earlier this week, the Sharks named a rotated starting XV from the side that beat Toulon last Friday. Injuries to Pat Lambie, Ruan Botha, Francois Kleynhans and Giant Mtyanda necessitated changes in those particular positions, but Director of Rugby Gary Gold made further changes to his starting XV in order to have a good look at his full squad.
While Toulon didn’t field all of their big guns last week, the Sharks leadership are fairly certain that Toulouse will pose any even more physical threat. Looking back to Friday's win, Sharks defence coach Omar Mouneimne was impressed with his charges effort against Toulon.
“We showed character, we were abrasive and worked really hard for each other. For a first hit out, it wasn’t bad. Obviously there were some system errors that we can tighten up on as well as a few tackling errors. Overall, I think the guys applied themselves very well,” Mouneimne said.
The focus this week will shift somewhat as Toulouse have a very physical pack. What is more, Mouneimne highlighted their affinity for running rugby – which will further test the Sharks' defensive resolve.
“The French are notorious for gigantic packs mauling the crap out of you. So we’ve got to be wary of that and I think they are going to try and maul us – we just have to man up and put it down,” he said.
Behind a marauding pack is a talented backline that features the likes of former All Black Luke McAlister and Mouneimne knows Toulouse will test them out wide.
“Their philosophy is that kicking is a loss – it’s a show of weakness that you haven’t succeeded with the ball. Their philosophy is that the longer you keep the ball the better it is.
“It will be a tough challenge because they can keep the ball for long periods, they’ve got good phase play so we must keep eyes up and handle them. You can’t give them momentum, you can’t give them continuity otherwise they’ll be all over you.”
Kickoff is at 21h45 on Thursday night.
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