Sharks XV aim for Currie Cup redemption with Junior Springbok talents
Image: BackpagePix
The Sharks XV reflected deeply on a disappointing week ahead of their third-round Currie Cup clash against the Cheetahs in Durban (5.10pm kick-off) on Saturday afternoon.
After being walloped 64-0 by the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld this past weekend, the Sharks have set their sights on turning their fortunes around as they continue to invest in young players for the tournament.
Despite the heavy defeat, there is still positivity in the camp, and according to head coach JP Pietersen, they've prepared well for the onslaught from their Free State counterparts.
'We are only two games in and there are still a lot more left to play in the competition,' Pietersen said on Thursday.
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He announced a side brimming with Junior Springboks for the duel at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont.
Exciting flyhalf Vusi Moyo will partner scrumhalf Bradley Davids in a brand new half-back pairing, while Jaco Williams shifts to fullback. In the midfield and on the wing, Pietersen opted to strengthen the side with more experienced campaigners.
'We spoke honestly on Monday about our performance and how we could fix it,' Pietersen said about their preparation.
'Plum (John Plumtree, Sharks URC head coach) and Neil (Powell, director of rugby) spoke to the boys and told them this is part of the process of what we are doing, and it might not be working now. But it was good for them to speak to the boys.'
According to Pietersen, the Cheetahs will be a bit of an unknown factor, especially with their new coaching staff of Frans Steyn and Ruan Pienaar. The duo is, of course, former teammates of Pietersen at the Boks and Sharks.
He said they are preparing for a physical onslaught, and every team will target them in that department because of their youngsters.
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