No 'fringe benefits' for Sharks
The Sharks may face a fatigued, injury-riddled Toulon fielding a host of fringe players, but the encounter will not be a walk in the park.
New Sharks boss Gary Gold and Springbok wing Bryan Habana, running out for Toulon at Stade Mayol on Thursday, suggested there will be very little 'friendly' in this north-south battle.
Toulon, midway through their domestic and European seasons, face a Sharks team in their first outing of the year – also their only formal pre-season run ahead of the start of the Super Rugby season next week.
The Sharks' new Director of Rugby, Gold, was pleased to have finally linked up with the team.
However, his first match in charge is – in his own words – going to be "a massive challenge".
"Because of the South African connection and the individuals in the team they will be highly competitive," Gold said of a Toulon selection that will feature Habana at centre and includes two other South Africans in the starting XV – scrumhalf Michael Claassens and loose forward Gerhard Vosloo
The home team is a mixture of established and fringe players in the wider Toulon squad.
Other internationals in the starting XV include Juan Martin Hernández at fullback, Nicolás Sanchez at flyhalf, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe at flank, Ali Williams and Jocelino Suta at lock and Carl Hayman at prop with hooker Matias Cortese and Steffon Armitage on the bench.
"It is an opportunity for them to give a few fringe players a run as well," Gold said in a telephone interview from Toulon, adding: "No doubt they will want to put their hand up to play a role in not only the [French] Top 14, but also the European play-offs.
"It is going to be a massive challenge for us, but I am happy we are playing against such a quality team."
Gold said he is happy to have a really competitive game against a team that has already qualified for the European Cup quarterfinals.
"Yes, they will be better prepared than us and more game ready than us, that's the challenge. But the reason why we wanted to be here is to put ourselves under this kind of pressure.
"It's going to be a massive challenge, one we're very excited about. I'm really happy they we are going to be playing such a quality team."
For various reasons there are a few Springbok players unavailable to the Sharks at the moment.
Jannie du Plessis, Willem Alberts and Thomas du Toit did not travel with the squad as they continue their recovery from injuries. The Japan-based trio of Frans Steyn, JP Pietersen and Ryan Kankowski were expected to begin training with the Durban side upon their return.
"It will be hard work, but it's a nice chance to see how far we've come and also see what we need to improve on in the weeks ahead."
The 31-year-old Habana, who has 106 Tests caps to his name, described the Sharks as "one of the best" teams in the world.
He spoke of the structure and skills in their game, while "quality players" like captain Bismarck Du Plessis will ensure the visitors are very competitive – despite their obvious lack of game time.
"They have a good game plan in place, with class players who can make a difference," Habana told a media briefing in Toulon.
He admitted it is difficult to analyse the Sharks, because they have not played for several months.
Also, they are using this game as preparation for Super Rugby.
The veteran Bok flyer admitted Toulon are struggling with injuries and fatigue. However, they are determined not to disappoint the home fans.
The Sharks open their Super Rugby season against the Cheetahs at Kings park next Saturday, while Toulon are in the midst of a mid-season break – with their next outing against Bordeaux-Bègles in the Top 14 on February 21.
Teams:
Toulon: 15 Juan Martin Hernández, 14 Josua Tuisova, 13 Bryan Habana, 12 Jimmy Yobo, 11 David Smith, 10 Nicolás Sanchez, 9 Michael Claassens, 7 Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, 8 Chris Masoe, 6 Gerhard Vosloo, 5 Jocelino Suta, 4 Ali Williams, 3 Carl Hayman, 2 Jean-Charles Orioli, 1 Xavier Chiocci.
Replacements – from: Matias Cortese, Florian Fresia, Corentin Braendlin, Steffon Armitage, Virgile Bruni, Ulupano Seuteni, Eric Escande, Karim Bougherara, Andy Cramond, Stéphane Munoz.
Sharks: 15 SP Marais, 14 Sibusiso Sithole, 13 Waylon Murray, 12 Heimar Williams, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Pat Lambie, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Lubabalo Mtembu, 7 Renaldo Bothma, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 4 Mouritz Botha, 3 Matt Stevens, 2 Bismarck du Plessis (captain), 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements – from: Kyle Cooper, Dale Chadwick, Lourens Adriaanse, Monde Hadebe, Marco Wentzel, Etienne Oosthuizen, Andre Esterhuizen, Paul Perez, Odwa Ndungane, Conrad Hoffmann, Fred Zeilinga.
Date: Thursday, February 5
Venue: Stade Mayol, Toulon
Kick-off: 21.00 (20.00 GMT, 22.00 SA time)
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
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Gary Gold on playing Toulon and joining the Sharks!
