Sharks out to avoid Leinster trap
SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks are bracing themselves for one of their toughest battles of the season against Leinster, despite the Irish giants arriving in South Africa with a second-string squad.
Some of the high-profile names not in Leinster’s touring squad for matches in Durban and Cape Town include James Lowe, Tadhg Furlong, Jonathan Sexton and Robbie Henshaw.
Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher, Michael Ala’alatoa, Josh Murphy, Rhys Ruddock and Ciaran Frawley are the only survivors from Leinster’s Champions Cup Round of 16 win over Connacht.
Sharks loose forward Phepsi Buthelezi said there is no way his team will be underestimating the Irish side.
“We know that it is still going to be a very good Leinster side,” said Buthelezi.
“Even though they are not bringing some of their big names, they will still have about 10 internationals in the side. It is still a very good squad that they are bringing.
“Nothing changes from our side in terms of preparation.
“We are preparing well for this game because we know how tough it is going to be.
“Leinster are a quality side with or without their internationals.”
#ICYMI: Former Springbok captain and centre Jean de Villiers says the midfield is clearly a problem area for the Sharks in the #URC https://t.co/gmC22RqAMU
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Buthelezi believes his team is starting to find some rhythm after big wins over the Dragons (51-3) and Lions (37-10)
“We finished off the opportunities that we created, but we are also playing in the right areas of the field,” he said.
“Our scrumhalves and our flyhalves did well in terms of putting us in the right areas on the field.
“When we did get into the Lions’ 22, we were able to be clinical enough to finish off the opportunities.
“We know Leinster like to keep ball in hand and they like to get into the phases, so defensively we are in for a big performance.
“Also, if we get the typical Durban conditions, it is going to be tough to hold onto the ball for multiple phases.
“Defensively we are going to have to stand up on Saturday.”
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