Sharks skipper Stefan Terblanche had some wise words of wisdom for his younger colleagues in the run-in to Saturday’s Currie Cup final against Western Province: “Take everything in, enjoy the occasion, it’s not every year we have a Currie Cup final here in Durban.”
Terblanche, who is a resident on the Ridge (he lives at Mount Edgecombe with his wife Jacqui and two children Tia and Matthew), says it’s a big responsibility of the senior players to keep the less experienced players calm during the week, so they are not completely drained by kick-off on Saturday.
The player who has covered most of the backline positions in his 12 years in Durban, spoke at The Sharks media conference today about how much the match means to him: “I’m at a stage in my career where you want a week like this to drag on for ages, so you can get the most out of it. It’s such a big occasion to captain The Sharks in the final at home.”
Terblanche has even urged his colleagues to write down how they’re feeling in the build-up to the final, so that it’s recorded for posterity.
Sharks coach John Plumtree was undaunted by the Province credentials but showed his great experience, emphasising that The Sharks would have to stick to the game plan and perform the basics well. “It’s a final. It’s all about the preparation and sticking to the game plan.
“Last week (against the Bulls) was a business-like, very professional performance, the final is a real occasion. We need to keep a lid on the hype while trying to enjoy ourselves.
Ultimate prize
“The Sharks in a final at the Absa Stadium is a special occasion and we’re really looking forward to it,” continued Plumtree. “The ultimate prize in local rugby awaits at the end of 80 minutes.”
The Sharks coach said he was pleased with the way The Sharks’ season had progressed: “The Super 14 was pretty ordinary, but you have to be happy topping the Currie Cup log and earning a home final. We’ve also developed some young players who’ve come on really well. They stood up against the Bulls and I expect they’ll do it again in the final.”
Sharks faith in Patrick Lambie
One of the stars of The Sharks’ season, Keegan Daniel, was today voted the Absa Currie Cup player of the month (Plumtree also scooped an award for coach of the month), and has also been nominated in the award Currie Cup Player of the year. Daniel said he had “been blessed with his form this season”. “I’ve never had a more consistent run in the team. When you’re in the starting XV week in and week out it breeds confidence and you grow in stature. I also think I’ve matured in the last few years as a person, and this has helped my game.”
When asked whether he’d enjoyed captaining The Sharks earlier in the season, Daniel said, “It’s a real honour. We’ve got lots of leadership options in the team with Stefan and John Smit, but maybe it’s something I can grow into in the future.”
Daniel gave credit to massive flank forwards Jean Deysel and Willem Alberts. “It helps having one of those huge guys in the team. It’s inspirational when you seem them put their bodies on the line carrying the ball.”
Terblanche seemed quietly confident about the Sharks’ prospects: “The Bulls have a huge reputation, they are a very physical side, but we stood up to them. We have all the motivation we need to play against Province this week. We know they have an excellent team, and a brilliant backline with players like De Jongh and De Villiers, but when you’re in a Currie Cup final you have all the motivation you’ll ever need.” – By Garth Johnstone
**There are a limited number of tickets that have been returned to The Sharks ticket office from stakeholders and sponsors, and are available to the public. The ticket price is R350. Ticket office in Masabalala Yengwa Road (Walter Gilbert Road), open 8.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday. Tickets also available from Computicket.
About Stefan Terblanche:
Date of Birth: 02/07/1975
Place of Birth: Mossel Bay
Position: Fullback, wing
Height: 1.87 m
Weight: 95 kg
High School: Swellendam High School
Club: Jonsson College Rovers
Sharks Debut: 1998 vs Blues (Vodacom Super 14)
Source: www.sharksrugby.co.za