Bordeaux-Begles could have misplaced to Gloucester final weekend and could also be languishing mid-table within the French Top 14 league, however they’re no mugs and Sharks coach Neil Powell knows his group should improve on their spectacular show against Harlequins if they’re to win their second Champions Cup match at Stade Chaban-Delmas on Friday night time.
Although Powell rated the 39-31 victory final weekend against Quins because the Sharks’ “best performance so far this season”, taking over a French group, who can pack greater than half of their aspect with internationals, at dwelling, goes to require one thing even higher in an effort to get the victory.
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“It was our best performance so far this season, we were fully in control at 32-14, but then the cards made it challenging,” Powell mentioned on Thursday.
“We confirmed wonderful character to carry on with 13 males for 10 minutes and for seven minutes with 14 gamers.
“But we do need to improve. Maybe we could possibly be a bit extra bodily and dominant within the sort out space, and that’s positively going to be vital against Bordeaux.
“We kicked fairly properly final weekend, however we have now to verify we follow our plan by way of the kicking sport, we should adapt the plan against Harlequins a bit as a result of Bordeaux kick extra lengthy balls than contestables.
“It’s about looking at who the opposition are and the weather forecast, and working out how we want to play. We need to adapt week-to-week, but it’s not about changing the whole game-plan, just doing one or two things a bit differently.”
All about set-pieces
Much of the Sharks’ technique will as soon as once more be about disrupting the opposition set-pieces, and though loosehead Ox Nche is out because of the three-week suspension he obtained for his purple card against Quins, tighthead Thomas du Toit is again after his ban picked up on Springbok responsibility.
“It’s going to be important that we have a strong scrum against Bordeaux, that could be one area for us to target,” Powell smiled.
“It’s a pity Ox is not available because he adds a lot, but we all believe in Ntuthuko Mchunu and it’s a great opportunity for him.”
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If the Sharks do get dominance up entrance, then the final quarter may see some attacking aptitude being sparked by none apart from World Player of the Year nominee Lukhanyo Am, who will return to play off the bench after knee surgical procedure in early September.
“It’s important to get Luke back on the field and give him a fair bit of time off the bench. He’s a quality player with x-factor who can create opportunities out of nothing,” Powell mentioned.
“He might be a bit rusty, but I am keen to see what sort of form he is in and hopefully he enjoys his 20 minutes or so off the bench.”
Sharks
Boeta Chamberlain, Werner Kok, Francois Venter, Ben Tapuai, Makazole Mapimpi, Curwin Bosch, Jaden Hendrikse, Phepsi Buthelezi, Vincent Tshituka, Siya Kolisi (c), Gerbrandt Grobler, Eben Etzebeth, Thomas du Toit, Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu. Bench: Dan Jooste, Dian Bleuler, Hanro Jacobs, Hyron Andrews, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Grant Williams, Lionel Cronje, Lukhanyo Am.
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