Coach JP Pietersen insists there’s enough experience in key positions for the Sharks to beat the Sale Sharks in Manchester.
The Durban-based side has made wholesale changes for Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup encounter, with Pietersen selecting a largely second-string outfit while leaving their large Springbok contingent behind in KZN.
The last time the Sharks fielded a ‘B team’ in Europe, they were beaten 56-19 by Toulouse in the opening round of the competition. Pietersen, however, believes they will be up for the challenge in Manchester.
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“If you look at the group, there’s more than enough experience in key positions,” he said. “There’s also youth and excitement, which is something we’re really happy with. We’ve got a good balance, and I’m excited to see what this group can do.”
Up front, Springbok tighthead Vincent Koch returns from injury to anchor the scrum alongside Lee-Marvin Mazibuko and Eduan Swart, while Nick Hatton captains the side from No 8. In the backline, Ross Braude starts at scrumhalf with Siya Masuku at flyhalf, while Jurenzo Julius is back in the midfield alongside veteran Francois Venter.
Masuku, in particular, will be under the spotlight.
“Siya is a good player and always has been,” Pietersen said. “He’s coming back from injury, so it will take time, but he understands the game very well. There’s no pressure on him – he must just play his game, manage the team, use his kicking ability and move the ball when it’s on.”
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The Sharks face a strong Sale Sharks side that includes several familiar faces to Durban supporters, among them Jacques Vermeulen, Marius Louw and Rob du Preez.
“They’ll obviously have an influence on the game,” Pietersen said. “They’re physical players and they know us well, but our focus is on what we can control. We analyse what we need to do against them, but around 80% of our focus is on ourselves and how we play our game.”
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The build-up to the match was spiced up earlier this week when Sharks owner Marco Masotti tweeted: “I hope the Sale fans show up to see the real @SharksRugby. Good luck to the Sale Tuna.” Masotti has previously suggested that the English club should consider rebranding.
Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson responded by questioning whether his side are respected by their Durban-based namesakes.
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Pietersen, though, was keen to play down the noise.
“I see it as banter, something to hype the game,” he said. “From our side, we control the controllables. We focus on what we do, staying within our system and making the jersey proud.
“We know it’s going to be a physical battle, and we’re ready for that challenge.”
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Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
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