Preview

Today’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship derby clash between the Vodacom Bulls and Hollywoodbets Sharks has all the ingredients necessary to produce the kind of fireworks we’ve come to expect when these two teams meet.

Coach John Plumtree hasn’t been to Loftus with the Hollywoodbets Sharks in some time, but anticipates nothing different from previous encounters in Pretoria between the two sides.

“Still the same: an epic battle,” he describes the fixture. “Every time you go to Loftus, it’s quite a game. The two sides have great history between them, semi-finals, finals or big pool games and everyone is looking forward to the game. I’m sure they’re just as excited as we are.

“I was telling the boys I’ve been to Loftus a number of times – before they were even born!”

The Bulls have enjoyed a good season so far and sit in third spot on the log. That’s not through luck though.

“The Bulls are a good side, they’re pretty settled and they’ve won most of their games this year,” the coach adds.  “They have some Springboks coming back as well, so we know how tough this match will be which makes it exciting for us.

“It’s a great challenge.”

The team take great confidence into this game after their convincing win against the Dragons last week and Plumtree feels that his side is in a good space ahead of this massive clash.

“Winning last week was important in terms of our confidence but I think it’s also the way we won, scoring 10 tries. We played at the right intensity, the referee was great because he allowed the intensity of the game to flow, he managed the game really well. The week before I had been frustrated because they were going down injured so much that we couldn’t play with the kind of intensity we wanted to.

“The influence of some class players really boosts everyone’s confidence; you can see that the good players have a little bit more time on the ball and they have the rugby smarts in terms of organising.

“Bringing those boys back makes a big difference to our team.”

There was no doubt given the team’s try tally that attack is a big part of the game and when you have the backline this Hollywoodbets Sharks side does boast, it makes for great anticipation all round.

“There’s plenty of excitement in our backline, Aphiwe provides slightly different skillsets to Werner, Fassi is in good form, Mapimps will be all the better for the run he had last week and then our midfield is starting to get some continuity.  Curwin Bosch is starting to develop some confidence working with Dave Williams and then we have our two nines who are great players.

“There’s plenty to look forward to in terms of our backline, but, this is a game that will be won and lost upfront, like most games. The forward pack that creates the most momentum will probably lay the foundation for winning the game.”

After six rounds, the Hollywoodbets Sharks are under no false illusions about the enormity of this match, within the context of what’s happened and what’s still to come.

“A win for us up there would be great in terms of where we’re sitting on the log. But the other part of this game is the excitement around the fixture and our challenge is to go up there and execute the plans we’ve put in place.

“That and giving maximum effort in the jersey. It’s going to be pretty hot playing at 3pm, so there will be some challenges around the environment.

“Ultimately it’s about us going up there and giving it our best shot.”