In any other season the Sharks v the Crusaders could have been a Super Rugby final, such is the calibre of the two teams, and both know they are up against rock hard opposition in the biggest match of the season.
A Sharks line-up packed with rugby Springboks faces a Saders team brimming with All Blacks. A virtual Kiwi pack, some deadly running backs and, of course, the mercurial Dan Carter lie in wait for these hungry Sharks. But good news for local fans is that our boys have finally hit some decent form; last week against the Bulls the Sharks pack was able to boss proceedings and set up the game for a dangerous backline.
There was some clinical and powerful running by JP Pietersen, stiff defence by the midfield, an injection of creativity from Fred Michalak, a great try by Lwazi Mvovo and the usual all round decision-making and solid play from Pat Lambie at the back.
The selection of Michalak – who loves the little chip kick or grubber – is a master stroke that brings his creativity into the game, incorporates Lambie’s kicking game from fullback and adds another attacking dimension to the Sharks line-up.
The entire pack deserves recognition for a gutsy performance, the only issue being the continued absence of skipper John Smit. The way Bismarck du Plessis is getting stuck in, it’s unlikely we’ll see Smit back on Saturday, although he can take comfort for the fact that at the moment he’s being kept out by possibly the best number 2 in the world.
Handling errors
While Bismarck uncharacteristically made a few handling errors early on, he came into his own later in the game against the Bulls with his work rate and power game.
Earlier in the week Sharks captain Stefan Terblanche suggested that the boys were ready: That the Sharks had actually been on Test match footing for the past few weeks, knowing one slip up and they were effectively out of the competition. They will need to call on all their experience, and that urgency and Test match type execution, to come away with a win at the unfashionable Trafalgar Park in Nelson (Christchurch was ruled out due to continued aftershocks in the area following deadly earthquakes earlier in the year).
The latest news on the internet is that the Sharks’ plan to leave late for Sydney (on their way to New Zealand) may have backfired, as the Chile ash cloud disrupted travel to and from Australia. More favourable weather reports for today gave hope that they would be able to travel as planned, but a plan B, possibly to Brisbane was being worked on.
Any disruption to travel now could be a massive factor in Saturday’s match, as the Sharks will still be a bit battle-weary after Saturday’s clash with the Bulls.
Steven Sykes has failed a fitness test on an ankle injury while experienced winger Odwa Ndungane has recovered from a hand injury.
It’s all set up beautifully for a bruising, dramatic knock-out Super Rugby encounter. – Garth Johnstone