VODACOM Super Rugby 2017 gets underway for the Cell C Sharks on Friday when we open our campaign against the Reds in Brisbane, Australia at 11am today (SA time).
With conditions very similar to what our team encounter in Durban and have been put through over the pre-season training period, the Reds will have no advantage hosting us in hot and humid conditions which evens the playing fields somewhat. However, humidity isn’t much of a factor at the moment.
One other possible setback that is a factor for touring teams is the possibility of jetlag have a negative influence on the team’s performance, but our head coach Robert du Preez said that the players are all in great physical shape on that count.
“We got rid of the jetlag early, we’ve been training in the afternoons and the guys have a lot of energy,” he explained from Brisbane. He also mentioned that the young players were fitting in, despite this being a new experience for them.
Playing away from home first up is a big challenge, but du Preez felt that this is an advantage.
“I like it when we tour first up. There’s a nice spirit in the team, but I said to the guys that the number one theme on tour is team work and the young guys are part of the team and really enjoying it.”
He acknowledged that they have a big challenge ahead.
“This is going to be a tough match, the Reds have a very strong line-up, it’s going to be a tough encounter. They have experienced Test match Wallabies in their side who we will need to watch.”
But it’s not only about the opposition, but our team doing what they have been working hard to accomplish once the competition started.
“For me, it’s all about starting with getting the basics right,” he said. “We have a medium to long term plan in mind, but for now, we are going to have to get the basics right. And from then, I think the team will really blossom. There is a lot of talent in this team.
Commenting on our team, he suggested that maintaining a core of players from last year’s Currie Cup to this year’s Vodacom Super Rugby competition is a positive factor for the team.
“It was really important to try create and keep that continuity going, and I’m happy with that. There isn’t a lot to choose between the bench and the guys who are starting and that’s what we always wanted. There is strong competition in the squad.
“We have a lot of depth in the team, but it’s only once you get tested and how those players perform. I think we have a really exciting squad with a mix of experienced and young players.”
There are bound to be nerves as head coach in charge of his first Vodacom Super Rugby campaign (like Reds coach Nick Stiles), but he admitted that it’s more excitement than fear.
“To be honest, I just want to get the first game going, I am really looking forward to the challenge.”
The Sharks team:
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Replacements
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