VIDEO: If you are not 'lus' for this, you should not be playing
Former Springbok prop Etienne Fynn said Sean Everitt and himself agreed that staying together and not splitting their squad gives them the best chance of being competitive in two competitions – the United Rugby Championship and Currie Cup.
This is in stark contrast to a team like the Lions, who have split their squad in two – a distinct Currie Cup group and a very different URC selection.
Fynn was speaking ahead of his debut as a Currie Cup coach, when the Sharks host Griquas in Durban on Wednesday.
The new coach named a strong, experienced side to host Griquas in Round Two of the Currie Cup.
The Sharks, who had a bye in Round One, host Griquas in Durban on Wednesday.
It is the decision to continue with one large squad, rather than split the group, that has been the topic of some discussion.
“It gives us access to the best URC and Currie Cup teams for as long as possible,” he said about the decision not to split the squad.
“Because we are staying together – not working as separate squads – we are able to field very competitive teams.”
He said their intention is always to get ‘results’ and win the competition.
The other reason for fielding such a strong team in their season opener, is that the Sharks have learnt from past experiences that Griquas is always a threat – whether you face them in Durban or Kimberley.
“They are incredibly tough and bruising customers,” he told @rugby365com.
“There are a few guys we know well here,” Fynn said, adding: “[Loosehead prop] Eddie Davids, [flank] Niel Otto, [centre] Rynhardt Jonker and [scrumhalf] Stefan Ungerer played here [Durban] in the junior structures.
“They have their share of experienced guys.
“They will be tough, competitive and they will be out to prove a point.”
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Fynn, with two Bok caps to his credit and a Sharks player between 1999 and 2003, feels there’s still plenty of prestige left in the Currie Cup – despite playing second fiddle to the URC.
“Having played Currie Cup and watched many Currie Cup games as a youngster, it is still our premier domestic competition,: he said.
“As I said to the guys: ‘If you are not lus for this, you should not be playing rugby’.
“Everybody is very aware of the status of the Currie Cup and looking forward to putting out a good effort.”
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