Sharks seek momentum ahead of Super Rugby knockouts

The Sharks spent their bye week righting the wrongs of their disappointing loss to the Bulls a fortnight ago and will finalise preparations over the next few days ahead of massive South African derby against the Lions.

As far as the quarterfinals are concerned, the Sharks are likely to hop on a flight to Christchurch next week, unless they lose to the Lions on Saturday and the Hurricanes beat the Crusaders. Permutations aside, the Sharks are hell bent on a win this week as they bid farewell to a number of departing players.

The likes of Cobus Reinach, Etienne Oosthuizen and Lourens Adriaanse will play their final match in front of the Kings Park faithful this weekend before they head off to greener pastures at the close of the Super Rugby season.

More importantly, a win will build confidence ahead of the knockouts and put to bed the lacklustre loss to the Bulls.

“We’re hoping for an improved performance – put it this way, we weren’t accurate against the Bulls and there were a lot of things we had to sort out,” Everitt said on Monday.

“This weekend is all about the performance because regardless of the result we will have to travel. We need to build some momentum going into the quarterfinals.

We want to win the game against the Lions and that’s what we’re focused on. For us its about improving to get momentum. Losing will not be a discussion for us regardless of what happens on Saturday morning.”

One of the biggest hurdles the Sharks have to overcome is the lack of quality game time over the past six weeks. The June Test window saw a couple of players feature for the Springboks, but much of the squad only had limited game time in the Supersport Rugby Challenge.

Everitt admitted that the timing of their bye wasn’t ideal so soon after the International Test break.

“It’s not ideal when you’ve been off for four weeks. Last week was an opportunity to work on the things that let us down against the Bulls. We had three really good sessions so hopefully from that we will improve. It’s never ideal having four weeks off, a game and then a bye.”

Nevertheless the Sharks management have unpacked their loss to the Bulls and have made it clear to the players that a lack of effort or attitude is not acceptable.

“We review the games and show the players the individual shortcomings. They need to see that there is always a consequence for lack of effort or urgency. Once they’ve seen those things it’s something to work on. As the saying goes, successful people don’t make the same mistake twice,” the coach said.

 “We like to set a benchmark and we believe for us to reach the final, which we’re aiming for, we have to beat the best and beating the Lions this weekend will give us huge confidence.”

The Sharks have also been buoyed by a couple of players' return to fitness. Kobus van Wyk, Lwazi Mvovo and Lukhanyo Am are all ready for action - which gives the Sharks back line some experience and x-factor.