Sharks coaches shouldering load
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The Sharks have been put under tremendous pressure from their fans after a hammering at the hands of the Crusaders and a possible ill-discipline problem.
However, the management are the ones who have accepted the responsibility and are doing what they can to protect the players.
Last weekend, after the 52-10 drubbing, both captain and coach of the Sharks publicly apologised for the team's poor performance.
This week, as the Durban outfit look to refocus and prepare for a Lions team that is on a high – having beaten the Bulls and picked up three wins on tour – the players are trying to focus on their game, rather than what is being said by the public.
Sharks wing Odwa Ndungane has said that the management and coaches at Kings Park have stepped up to shoulder the blame, and responsibility, in an effort to allow the team to play its natural game.
"I think the management is taking a lot of that pressure off the players, which is good." Ndungane said after training.
"The guys do not feel as under the cosh as they could."Obviously there is pressure for the players to perform, but it is nice that the coach is ready to take the outside pressure off of us, and allow us to play our game."
Ndungane admits that the team is well aware that there is plenty of unrest and impatience from the Kings Park faithful, but as a team, they are working hard to try win back the fans affections.
It may mean a return to the basics, and a rethinking of their exit strategies and defence (both areas that were pin-pointed as being particularly weak last weekend), but Ndungane says they still want to go out there and play.
"The management has still given us the licence to do what they know we can do, and just play," Ndungane added.
"It definitely takes a lot of pressure off of our shoulders.
"This weekend we are looking forward to paying back coach [Gary] Gold's confidence."
The Sharks will have a tough task agains the Lions at Eliis Park this weekend, and if they are to remain in touch for a play-off position, and regain some faith in their abilities, it will be a must-win match.
By Darryn Pollock
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