Today’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship first round clash between the Hollywoodbets Sharks and Emirates Lions holds promise of being a real classic when the two teams meet at Emirates Airline Park.
Both sides play a similarly exciting style of running rugby and this entices the senses as the two local teams go head-to-head in the first of two successive battles, home and away.
For the Hollywoodbets Sharks, consistency in team selection is a huge plus for the team that has enjoyed good form of late and will look to take this momentum into the next two games,
Satisfied head coach John Plumtree explains of his team selection that, “I’ve got a bit more experience on the bench, but there is a fair amount of continuity as well, starting Jaden Hendrikse at scrumhalf, he’s freshened up, and Grant Williams coming off the bench is good for us.
“The backline remains the same as the one that played the Vodacom Bulls.
“Having a bit of experience up front is great, Ox and Eben aren’t back yet, but it’s really nice having Siya Kolisi and Vincent Koch in the side.
“And it’s also nice for [lock] Deon Slabbert to get a start and for us to have a look at him, he came off the bench against Cardiff but picked up a concussion that’s kept him out, so it’s nice to have a look at him and see what he can give us in the future.”
Playing and succeeding on the highveld is always tough for visiting teams. The rarified air always saps energy levels and there is some adjustment needed. But Plumtree explains that they’re focusing on this game as they do any game
“We don’t really talk about that [playing at altitude] in our preparation, it’s not something that’s a focus for us. We do understand that having the best bench possible for up there is good, because some players do tire quicker, but it’s not something we talk about.
“It’s been good that we’ve been able to play for 80 minutes – and beyond on some occasions – and what’s pleasing for me it’s where the team is at. The boys want to do well for each other, in any team environment, that’s the key ingredient.”
The morale-boosting effect of beating the Vodacom Bulls, particularly against the odds, also bodes well for the team.
“For us, winning derby games is important, last year we didn’t win any and this year we’ve won three already with a couple of go.
“Confidence doesn’t necessarily come from past results, it comes from preparing well and going up there and performing well. If we get a win, that’s job done, get back to Durban and focus on the next task.
“We’ve worked hard in training this week to feel confident enough to go there and do the job. We’re going to have to be better than we were in our last match, we know we’re going to be under pressure for a result. It’s a tough task and we know that.”
Having missed the leadership and contribution from Bok captain Siya Kolisi has been tough, but he’s back in the side and his contribution, both on the field and off, is incalculably valuable.
“He’s come off his Springbok resting protocol and he’s really keen to get back into it,” Plumtree explains. “He’s been a joy at training this week, he brings so much energy and fun to the group. To bring him off the bench is a good idea this week, particularly around the leadership that’s going to be required.
“We know it’s going to be a massive task against the Emirates Lions and he’s going to be a huge help in the second half.”
Looking at the opposition, the Hollywoodbets Sharks coach admits that it’s going to be a big challenge for his side.
“They’re a very dangerous team and they’ve shown that throughout the season. Underestimate them at your peril.
“Some teams in the past might have fallen into that trap, but we certainly haven’t.
They’re capable of knocking off anyone, particularly at home, we have a lot of respect for that, and for them.
“It’s going to be a good contest, the forwards know they’re in for a big battle, like it always is.”