Curwin and the pack give Sharks the edge, says former mentor

Brad Macleod-Henderson was not destined for a long stay in the Sharks coaching team, but he was on board when they last won the Currie Cup, in 2013 against Western Province at Newlands, and he believes they will do it again against the same opponents at Kings Park on Saturday.

The former Sharks flank and forwards coach believes it is the home team’s pack and the coming of age of young flyhalf Curwin Bosch that gives the KwaZulu-Natalians the edge.

“The Sharks have got an impressive pack and they will look to dominate through that, with Curwin Bosch accumulating points as well. The Sharks probably have the best pack in the competition and Curwin is the leading points-scorer in the competition, he can kick those drop-goals and his kicking out of hand has also been outstanding.

“The Sharks defence, led by the physicality of the forwards, is also sound and that can put Western Province on the back foot. Their loose trio of the Du Preez twins and the experienced Keegan Daniel could also have the edge and look to put Western Province in their box,” Macleod-Henderson said.

Former Natal stalwart Mark Andrews, the engine room of their 1990s triumphs, was also confidently predicting a home victory on Saturday if the Sharks are running on all cylinders.

“Home ground advantage is probably worth five points and the fact that the Sharks lost the last pool match is probably worth a couple of points to them and not the other way round, because there will be no complacency. If the Sharks turn up with their A game than I have no doubt they will win.

“The Sharks also have enough experienced players to deal better with the pressure of a final; they’re very different because if you don’t take advantage of your opportunities early on then you create pressure for yourself. The opportunities are less in finals, but you have to take them,” Andrews said.

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