Rugby

Sharks counting the hours before World Cup winners return for URC duty

After two losses on the highway, the Sharks are determined to get a win, in opposition to Ospreys.

While the Springbok gamers are on their Rugby World Cup trophy tour celebrating their exploits in France, their franchises are eagerly awaiting their return, amongst them the Sharks.

The Durban-based outfit are set to realize the most from the return of Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, Vincent Koch, Eben Etzebeth, Grant Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Lukhanyo Am and Makazole Mapimpi in the coming days and weeks.

The addition of the World Cup-winning Boks will take the commonplace of the Sharks to a brand new degree, with assistant coach Dave Williams saying they’re wanting ahead to seeing their Bok contingent be part of the remainder of the squad.

‘Excited’

“The guys we have been working with at the moment have really grown as a collective. When we drop the Springboks into that mix, there will be a real cultural boundary set and expectations of what performances look like. We are excited to get those guys in,” Williams stated.

The Sharks have labored on growing their depth and scope with out the Boks throughout the low season.

“It’s exciting as a coach to work with the wider group and know that your internationals will come back at a later stage. It allows focusing on growing the base and brand of players that you will need throughout the season. Even if you have a Bok-laden squad, at some point you have to rotate and rest players,” he stated.

Ospreys match

Results haven’t been good for the Sharks to date in the United Rugby Championship. They have misplaced their opening two matches of the season in opposition to Munster and Leinster on tour.

The Sharks administration anticipated the robust begin to the season however are optimistic of a win in opposition to Ospreys on Friday night time in London.

“As the teaching group, we spoke about the challenges of this tour, taking part in the champions (Munster) and champions-elect Leinster. In each matches we didn’t rating for lengthy intervals, we simply couldn’t convert at sure moments.

“So this weekend (against Ospreys), we’ll continue with that belief and be more ruthless when we get those line breaks and continue to build pressure,” stated Williams.

The Sharks will ship a star-studded group into motion, with Aphiwe Dyantyi beginning for the first time after his return to rugby, whereas there are at least eight Boks in the beginning XV.

Sharks: Aphelele Fassi, Werner Kok, Francois Venter (capt), Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Curwin Bosch, Cameron Wright, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Phepsi Buthelezi, James Venter, Emile van Heerden, Corne Rahl, Coenie Oosthuizen, Dylan Richardson, Ntuthuko Mchunu. Bench: Kerron van Vuuren, Dian Bleuler, Hanro Jacobs, Hyron Andrews, George Cronje, Zee Mkhabela, Boeta Chamberlain, Murray Koster.


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