McLeod: Sharks need to muscle up
Sharks scrumhalf Charl McLeod said the team need to be more physical in the second half of their Currie Cup campaign.
The Durban side find themselves in second position on the standings after their loss to pace-setters Western Province at Newlands, and McLeod believes that one area they can improve on is their physicality.
"During the first half of last week's game we got dominated a bit, but we fought back nicely in the second half," McLeod said in Durban on Tuesday.
"We also need to work on our starts."
Springbok No.9 McLeod admitted they could not afford another poor start against Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday.
"We can't afford to start badly, especially at home, when the opposition can get their tails up early, so a good start is hugely important," he said.
"We will also need to front up. They've got a big pack and we'll just have to match them in that department."
Despite starting on the bench in the last two games, as part of a rotation policy implemented by the new coaching staff at the union, McLeod is content with his role.
"The players are very happy. Every one of us knows where we stand with the coaches, so it's not a problem for us," he explained.
The Sharks, on 15 points, are lying a point behind the leaders, Western Province, with the Golden Lions third on 14 points.
"Being one point behind in second position is not too bad. We've got another five games to keep on improving and keep on growing.
"We'll try and win every game and then we'll hopefully be in a good position, come the play-offs."
Meanwhile, young lock Pieter-Steph du Toit is fit again after a long-standing muscle injury.
However, veteran second rower Marco Wentzel (dislocated shoulder) is out of the weekend's game, along with Odwa Ndungane (groin).
SAPA
