Impact of Georgian legend on Sharks pack
SPOTLIGHT: While the Sharks’ backline has been enjoying the spotlight, the pack have been improving with each match in the United Rugby Championship.
The value of Springboks Aphelele Fassi, Sibusiso Nkosi, Lukhanyo Am (the captain) and Makazole Mapimpi, along with Wallaby import Ben Tapuai in the Sharks set-up, has been marked with nothing but praise by head coach Sean Everitt.
Their ability to score tries was evident in their 47-37 win over the Lions last weekend – Mapimpi scoring a hattrick at Ellis Park.
However, the forwards have gradually become another powerful attacking feat, and credit certainly has to go to Akvsenti Giorgadze, who joined the Sharks in July as their scrum consultant.
The front row of Retshegofaditswe Nché, Thomas du Toit and Kerron van Vuuren were pretty solid against the Lions’ powerful scrum – the most successful in the URC.
At the same time, Hyron Andrews and Ruben van Heerden were solid in the second row.
When asked about the impact of Giorgadze, Nché conceded he has added a different dynamic to the pack
“Giorgadze has a pretty simple system,” Nché said.
“You work as a pack, it’s an all-eight effort and you work on your offence, shape and technique.”
He added: “He brings confidence to the pack and expects forwards to be forwards.
“We have a good relationship with him.
“He tries to bring the best out of each and every player.”
The Springbok prop also noted that the tight five is settling in nicely and everybody is pitting in a great effort.
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Shifting his focus to this weekend URC fixture against the Stormers, Nche conceded he expects a very difficult contest – following the Cape Town side’s 30-26 win over the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.
The Bok has taken it as a ‘big warning’.
“It going to be a big challenge, following their win at Loftus,” Nche explained.
“They will be oozing with confidence.
“You probably expected the Bulls to come out on top, given the home advantage.
“But seeing them trailing 0-18 just before half-time, it was a big shock.
“So this weekend is definitely going to be a challenge.
“We will just have to be our best.”
@rugby365com
