'A difficult spot': Sharks face anxious wait on key players
SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks could be forced to make some big changes for their Champions Cup quarterfinal next weekend.
The Sharks advanced to the final eight after a 50-35 win over Munster in their Round of 16 fixture in Durban, but injuries to some big names will be a big concern
Scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse was seen with his left arm in a sling after the game. The Bok scrumhalf suffered the injury while scoring his team’s first try in the game.
Lock Eben Etzebeth didn’t return after half-time with an unspecified injury and was seen clutching an ice pack. His replacement Emile van Heerden didn’t last long as he left the field with his arm in a makeshift sling.
If Etzebeth and Van Heerden are unavailable, the Sharks will have to test their second-row depth in a massive knockout game.
“We will assess them with the medical team and we will get clarity on those injuries.
“Emile van Heerden also picked up a shoulder injury, which put us in a difficult spot having two locks injured.
“We will assess them and see if they will recover in time for next weekend’s game.
“If not then it is an opportunity for the next guy to come in and put his hand up.
“We hope they will be fine. They are big players for us in the team, but that is why you have a squad and you need to work for the squad in this competition.”
#ICYMI: The Sharks advanced to the quarterfinals of the Champions Cup after they thumped Munster in their Round of 16 clash at Kings Park on Saturday. ChampionsCup #Sharks #Munster #SHAvMUN https://t.co/ZkSBDegjue
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‘A big turnaround’
Meanwhile, Powell was pleased with his team’s performance, especially after their dismal showing against the Scarlets in the URC a week earlier.
“Credit must go to the team for how they actually turned it around,” said Powell.
“There was some disappointment after that game against the Scarlets and the boys pulled together and realised that they need to be better.
“I think from an attacking point of view it was a great performance. We do set high standards for ourselves.
“From a defensive perspective, conceding that amount of tries in the last 20 minutes was disappointing and we will have to fix it if we want to go further in the competition.’
The Sharks will face either Toulouse or the Bulls in the quarterfinals.
If Toulouse win, the Sharks will head to France. However, a victory for the Bulls will give the Sharks home-ground advantage.
“Whichever team we are going to play it is not going to be easy,” Powell explained.
“I think we all know that when you get into the knockout stages, you got to be a lot more accurate.
“There is less room for mistakes and if you do make mistakes, the teams that you are playing against will punish you for it so it is going to be difficult.
“This is the first year that we are a part of it, so we are trying to create a bit of hype and culture around being a part of the Champions Cup.
“Luckily we have experience in our coaching staff. Yannick Bru was with Toulouse when they won the Champions Cup and then we also have Noel McNamara who was part of the Academy at Leinster and understands how much emphasis those teams put on this tournament.”
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