The Sharks will be hoping Harlequins come roaring into their Champions Cup clash in London on Saturday evening, but Siya Kolisi’s side have worked hard to ensure they will turn up the intensity at The Stoop.
Harlequins are now just inside the qualifying place in seventh place in Pool A, so they know victory , or at least a couple of bonus points, will tip down a point in the last 16. The Sharks are not short of motivation, however, as a win for them will guarantee them home tie in the first two knockout rounds.
“We know Harlequins have a lot to play for, they still need some points, and they will obviously be motivated to go flat-out against us,” said Sharks coach Neil Powell on Friday.
“We are ready for a big fight and we have tried to keep the players fresh so that they have energy on the field, so that the intensity is higher.
“It’s about standards, and not only in games, but also in training, because if you don’t hit the same intensity there, how can you perform during the match?
“The driving senior players, the Springboks, especially Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi, want to be successful in this competition. We hope to reach that intensity on Saturday,” Powell said.
The Sharks beat Harlequins 39-31 in Durban last month, but the English giants attacked from behind, before Powell’s side scored a last-gasp try to win the game.
“We saw that Harlequins were the team 80 minutes from the way back in Durban when we were in a comfortable position. They were really close,” Powell said.
“Admittedly we got yellow and red cards, which motivates us. They like to attack with the ball in hand, so it’s our responsibility to be hungry.
“We couldn’t give them attacking opportunities, especially in the halves. And Marcus Smith is back at flyhalf, he contributes a lot in attack and is unpredictable,” said Powell.
Read more: Makazole Mapimpi shark fin banned for two weeks
Improved discipline will be essential for the Sharks if they hope to set up well for the round of 16 which starts on March 31.
Future losses
With the upcoming loss of the Springboks for the mandatory rest period and then the camp, a win is also important for the Sharks to maintain the momentum that has seen the ‘A Side’ win their last six games on the trot.
shark – Aphelele Fassi, Marnus Potgieter, Lukhanyo Am, Ben Tapuai, Thaakir Abrahams, Curwin Bosch, Jaden Hendrikse, Phepsi Buthelezi, Vincent Tshituka, Siya Kolisi (c), Gerbrandt Grobler, Eben Etzebeth, Thomas du Toit, Kerron van Vuuren, Ox Nche. Bench: Dan Jooste, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Carlu Sadie, Hyron Andrews, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Grant Williams, Lionel Cronje, Francois Venter.
Read more: Sharks dominate Bordeaux in Durban