Both the Hollywoodbets Sharks and Vodacom Bulls come into tonight’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship semi-final off the back of good continuity, and knowing the history of contests between the two sides, this match looks set for fireworks.
Head coach John Plumtree was clam ahead of this match, not for lack of excitement, but for the fact that his players are so self-motivated that his job is relatively simple as the team prepares for the knock-out.
“Big games likes this, it’s often your easiest week as a coach because the players are all excited, obviously, about this opportunity.
“We’ve had to lighten the load a lot after the quarter-final, but the boys are feeling good, they’ve looked great at training.
“It’s been a long year and these are the special moments being involved in a game like this and if we go on through to next week, the cream on top I guess.
The loss of Eben Etzebeth is a bitter blow to the side, but they’ve been in this situation already over the course of the season, and while there is no denying his value, it is also the opportunity for others to shine.
“He took a head knock at training and we decided that it would be best not to risk him this week, so we made an early call, even though he was feeling a lot better by Friday,” Plumtree confirmed. “I’m not overly concerned about it and I’m pretty sure if we go through, he will be available next week.
“How much of a loss is he? Eben is probably the best lock in the world, he is a big loss. But it’s a team game and one person doesn’t make this team and we’ve won games without him. Yes, it is disappointing not having him this week, but it is exciting for other players who get an opportunity to play in a big game like this.”
No match between the Hollywoodbets Sharks and Vodacom Bulls is ever without the forward battle, and today’s semi-final will be no different to all the past encounters between these two proud franchises.
“Winning the battle upfront isn’t only about getting front foot ball, but also the psychological battle and that’s what these big contests are all about.
“But the Vodacom Bulls aren’t just a scrummaging team, they’re also a good set-piece team, particularly at Loftus, but we’ve prepared well and we’re ready for it. We’ve been there and faced them before and there are many battles all over the park, not just the scrums.”
Both teams know they have their work cut out for them, and no side gets to a semi-final without having earned that right, having played winning rugby.
“We have to play with discipline and not give them too many opportunities to get inside our 22. And they’ll be having the same talk, we’re pretty useful when we get inside the opposition 22 when there is a lot of pressure coming at the defending team from 10 to 15 metres out.
“So both sides will be focusing on discipline and staying on the right side of the referee.”
The Hollywoodbets Sharks – Vodacom Bulls rivalry goes back to 1990 and the Currie Cup Final, won against all predictions by the visiting Durban side, and every contest since then has had the same intensity as that historic event 35 years ago.
“These are big derby games and I’d say everyone in Durban will be watching this game. There have been some great contests between the two sides over the years.
“Yeah, there’s a great rivalry between the two clubs, hopefully that lasts forever because that’s what this game is all about. It creates interest and excitement, especially when there’s so much riding on the outcome.”