News

Sharks eyeing Currie Cup gold

August 04 2008

Sharks Coach John Plumtree was understandably chipper after his side's emphatic victory over the Griquas in Saturday's Currie Cup encounter in Kimberley.

The Griquas were expected to put up some stiff opposition after beating Western Province and having run Lions and Cheetahs extremely close in previous weeks.

The 44-15 scoreline in the Sharks favour however reflects just how strong the Sharks squad is and how dangerous they can be when playing to their full potential.

"I think we trained really well all week and sorted out a few disruptions," Plumtree told the Sharks website .

"I knew the tries would come if we were able to get over the advantage line and obviously there were a few factors: our set pieces were good, defensively we were letting ourselves down in a couple of areas, but I am really pleased for the team.

"They put a lot of pressure on themselves to get a result, a lot of the leaders stood up big time, we've just got to get over this one and look forward to next week.

"There were some signs that we were getting the go forward ball that we needed so it was just a case of wearing them down. Once we put the ball behind them and got their pack moving their legs ran out quickly which was always the plan."

The Sharks will welcome back Springboks Francois Steyn, Ruan Pienaar and Odwa Ndungane for Friday's fixture against Western Province at Newlands. Judging by last weekend's performance and with a strengthened squad, the Sharks look on track to make the Currie Cup play-offs - at least.

"If the players get a few things right, there is no reason why they can't be successful in this competition, and I think we showed that against Griquas," said Plumtree.

"If the players believe in themselves and put the team first in their preparations, who knows what can happen?"

The Sharks scored seven tries against the Griquas and were praised by their coach for sticking to the game plan and maintaining their structure.

"It was nice to see us stick to some structure, and you can't have that without go forward which obviously Riaan Swanepoel and Jean Deysel and some of the other forwards provided," explained Plumtree.

"I thought the forwards were outstanding.

"We've worked on a lot of things, clearly with this group of guys we have to win differently. There were some mental obstacles we needed to get over for this game and the boys put in a top team performance."