Derby matches don’t get much bigger than those between the Cell C Sharks and Vodacom Bulls and Sunday’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash between the two sides should produce every bit of intensity and competitiveness that we’ve come to expect when they meet.The Cell C Sharks unfortunately had their match against Ulster called off last week, but the opportunity to work on their preparations for this weekend certainly wasn’t wasted.
Director of Rugby Neil Powell, admitted how disappointed the team was not to have a crack at the Irish giants, but a new challenge now awaits and they are ready to embrace it.
“Having the Ulster game postponed or cancelled – we’re still awaiting an outcome on that – gave us an opportunity to spend more time to focus on the Bulls and get us ready for this weekend,” he explained. “We know that it’s always going to be a physical battle against the Bulls at Loftus and that’s what we’re preparing for.
“It’s a big challenge to play them at their home, and to be successful there, and the challenge has been put to the team and hopefully they will make us proud over the weekend.”
Outlining areas of focus, both for his team and countering what the opposition bring, Powell explained that, “The physical battle will be especially tough upfront amongst the forwards. It is going to take an 80 minute effort from us, not just a good start or good finish, but a game where we put a full 80 minutes together and put pressure on them in every aspect of the game.
“The Bulls have a good kicking game, so hopefully we can match that. We also know we need to stand up to what they bring in the physical department, if we don’t, we know we will be in trouble.
“But we’ve prepared well, there has been good energy in this week’s preparation because we missed out on playing last weekend.”
Francois Venter makes his debut on Sunday and Powell said that there are big expectations on the new player who hasn’t wasted any time fitting in.
“He brings a lot of experience, he’s played at international level, he’s played in the UK as well. He also brings a lot of rugby IQ and we’ve been impressed at how quickly he’s grasped what’s expected of him; he’s on the same page as far as our attacking principles and attacking shapes go.
“He’s not only a good guy in terms of what he brings on the field, but also off the field as a team player and someone who is good for his team-mates.
“He has an amazing work ethic and that was important for us, that he understands the system and what’s expected of him, then we were more than happy to select him. He’s caught up quickly and we’re looking forward to see how he goes against the Bulls.”
With Lukhanyo Am still expected to be out for a few weeks still, with a target of returning for the Ospreys’ match on 2nd December, Venter, along with Rohan Janse van Rensburg and Marnus Potgieter all have important roles to play in the midfield.
Stability is vital and Powell admitted that, “It’s really important to have cohesion in the midfield and hopefully Francois will bring that stability for us in the number 13 jersey.
“Rohan returns for the Cardiff game so we have the nice problem of having three centres we can select from.”