Ungerer enjoying his chance
The 21-year-old has started the last four games for the Sharks after Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach was ruled out injured for the rest of the season with a broken hand. Reinach was forced to return home after their first tour game against the Highlanders last month.
Ungerer, a former Maritzburg College pupil, has filled the void exceptionally well and has fast become the first choice scrumhalf in Durban in Reinach’s absence.
Speaking after Tuesday’s training session, Ungerer admitted the Sharks’ Australasian tour had been difficult, as the team lost three of their tour matches before signing off with a win over the Reds. They followed that up two weeks ago with a win over the Rebels at home.
“The losses weren’t big ones and we were in it for most of those games. Some of them we felt we were going to win throughout the course of those matches and it was hard to lose at the end. When we did get the wins it felt good, like what we were doing during the week finally paid off on the weekends,” Ungerer said.
The young scrumhalf was also surprised by his quick rise through the ranks this season – not expecting to be first choice in his position. He also said he is enjoying playing alongside flyhalf Lionel Cronje, who has been credited with sparking the Sharks attack this season.
“You never wish an injury on a guy and Cobus and Conrad (Hoffmann) were ahead of me for selection at the start of the year. But it’s nice to be first choice at the moment – especially alongside Lionel, I work nicely with him on the field,” Ungerer said.
“We do quite a few extras after training on our kicking and it has shown in the game – I think we’ve really clicked well. Lionel has an attacking nature to him so he’s brought a new dimension in the last couple of games for the Sharks.”
Looking ahead to this weekend’s clash against the Stormers, Ungerer said his teammates are looking to give Willem Alberts and brothers Jannie and Bismarck du Plessis a fitting send-off. The Springbok trio are headed for France next season.
“The aim is not to see this last game as a dead rubber. We need to play the full 80 minutes, finish the campaign on a high note and give those guys leaving a nice send off.”
“They are big names that are leaving the Sharks. They’ve contributed a lot between the three of them throughout their years here. The guys are just looking to give everything for them on the field for their last turnout here at Kings Park.”
The Sharks host the Stormers at Growthpoint Kings Park on Saturday. Kickoff is at 19h10.
New Zealander Glen Jackson will referee the match.
(File Photo: Gallo Images)
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