Sharks: Time to buck the trend
The Sharks are ready to end a decade-long drought in Sydney when they tackle the Waratahs in a Super Rugby Round Five encounter on Saturday.
Both coach John Plumtree and captain Keegan Daniel spoke this week of the need to “buck the trend” and to beat the ‘Tahs at home.
The Sharks have won just one of their last five encounters with the Waratahs, last year in Durban, but have not won in Sydney since March 2000 – which ironically was one of only two away wins against the ‘Tahs, the other coming as Natal in 1997.
But captain Daniel tried to play down their poor track record in Sydney as a factor, telling the official Sharks website: “Putting that [record] aside, we are motivated to go on tour and we’re motivated to play every weekend.
“We haven’t had a great track record against them, but there is no time like the present to change that.”
There is also pressure on the Waratahs, who have won just one of their four matches this season, the Round Two encounter with the winless Rebels.
The Waratahs have lost two home games, including a demoralising one-point defeat at the hands of the Western Force in Sydney last weekend and a 21-25 loss to the Reds in Week One.
“The Waratahs have had a rocky start to their campaign, but will always be tough at home,” Daniel said.
“They have a good pack with some experienced backs and we need a massive performance from our forwards as well as being disciplined at all times in the game if we want to do well. It almost requires a good start from us and to try and carry momentum into the game.
“They are pretty desperate for a win at this stage and that can bring a team together, so no doubt they will bring a huge physical presence to the game as well as a huge will to win.”
Plumtree also spoke of the need to start the tour with a win.
“Yes, we had a long meeting about this: why we’ve failed in Sydney and in Canberra as well,” the Sharks coach said.
“We’ve managed to beat them at home, but we haven’t had much success here. We just need to put emphasis on making sure we don’t get distracted while we’re here, that rugby is the reason why we’re here, winning is why we’re here.
“That we really focus this week on having as good as possible build-up to Saturday.”
