Sharks Director seeks perfection as Bulls loom
REACTION: The Sharks were expected to steamroll the Lions and for a vast majority of the United Rugby Championship Round 10 match they did just that.
They physically dominated the Lions and scored five tries for the 37-10 bonus-point win.
The Sharks could have done more scoreboard damage, however, they wasted a number of opportunities in the second half.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell admitted there were crucial moments in the game where his side was just not clinical enough.
GET OFF ME!
Mapimpi is on a CHARGE! 💪 #BKTURC #URC | #SHAvLIO pic.twitter.com/bGDhPqlV06— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) December 23, 2022
“We will always push for that perfect game where we get everything right,” Powell said.
“And at times we had glimpses of it, whether on attack or defence and even how we managed the kicking game.
“Unfortunately we couldn’t keep it up for 80 minutes. I think, for me were really clinical in the first 15 to 20 minutes and scored those two tries before we had soft moments which allowed them [Lions] back into the game.
“Think if you get momentum, you’ve got to stay on top of the opposition. If you give them the momentum, it’s difficult to get it back.
“Nonetheless it is a step in the right direction. It’s just a case of looking at this game and knowing where we can improve and be better.”
Powell added: ” We can be a bit more patient on the attack especially when we get into the opposition’s 22. I feel like we rush ourselves and when we do that we are not as clinical so that is an area we will be looking at.
“It was a good performance in defence and we managed the kicking game well.”
B.E.A utiful execution from the @SharksRugby 🤩 #BKTURC #URC | #SHAvLIO pic.twitter.com/wNpqV91Sg2
— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) December 23, 2022
The result is certainly a big improvement for a Sharks team who suffered that humiliating 0-35 defeat to Cardiff in Durban a couple of weeks ago – a loss which also ended Sean Everitt’s tenure as Sharks head coach.
“You can see the improvements over the last four games and it comes with a bit of belief that we can be successful and do well in the URC and Champions Cup.
“If we keep believing in the system, hopefully, we can have another successful game and another step up against the Bulls.”
He added: “We already have a plan in place for the Bulls in terms of team selection and how we want to play them.”
The Sharks opted to rest some big names like Eben Etzebeth, Ox Nche and Bongi Mbonambi.
While they lost Vincent Tshituka before the kick-off due to a shoulder injury.
The Sharks host the Bulls next weekend at Kings Park.
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