The Cell C Sharks went into their Carling Currie Cup clash with the Xerox Lions with enforced changes to a team that had performed so admirably in the previous week’s victory over the Bulls, but that was no excuse.
Missing four of the tight five meant a rejigged pack, although Cell C Sharks head coach Sean Everitt refused to use the disruption as an excuse for the team’s loss.
“We aren’t going to make excuses for that performance because we prepared really well,” he said after the match. “What happens in a game was when the penalties are going against you – and rightfully so – you aren’t able to fire a shot.
“The individuals who were in the starting line-up were experienced, they’ve all played at the highest level, talking Super Rugby, so that’s no excuse for us, we just need to work harder and get better.”
The Lions used their much-vaunted defence as a crucial tool to stopping the Cell C Sharks’ momentum, working hard on the ground as well, and together with the set-piece penalties, were able to add sustained pressure in the game.
“The penalty count against us was 14 and you shouldn’t be winning games when you concede that many,” Everitt pointed out. “The Lions put us under pressure and that’s one of the reasons why the penalty count was so high.
“In saying that, this Sharks team is performance-driven and we’re not happy with that performance, it was way below standard and we’ll certainly pick it up going into next week.”
He added that, “The territory game is important but it is affected by the number of penalties you concede. When we were getting ascendancy in the opposition have, we made mistakes, had a scrum and then conceded a penalty and they were able to put us back where we started.
“Our kicking accuracy also wasn’t where it should be or where it has been throughout the competition. We struggled with that after being really good the last week but in this game, the individuals just weren’t on point and I know that’s something they will rectify.”
With the Cell C Sharks, DHL western Province and the Toyota Cheetahs all still enjoying a game in hand over the log leading Vodacom Bulls and second-placed Xerox Lions, the title chase is on.
“With Covid, things have been a bit disruptive and we’ve all been affected and had games called off, all the teams have had their challenges along the way as far as picking consistent sides. But as we all know, the Currie up is one of the top domestic rugby competition in the world and not for nothing, so I’m glad it ‘s been so closely-contested, it means the teams all have to be on top of their game every week.
“It’s also a good learning curve for the players, and if they want to play international rugby, that’s expected of them.”
The Cell C Sharks head for Bloemfontein on Sunday when they take on the Toyota Cheetahs at 4.30pm in what is shaping up to be one of the most important matches for the franchise.