VIDEO: Sharks to take a page from Bulls' book?
Seasoned Sharks lock Jason Jenkins is familiar with his team’s opponents this weekend, having represented Leinster on 39 occasions before making the move to Durban.
The one-cap Springbok also represented the Bulls before his stint in Ireland with Munster and Leinster.
The 2.03-metre lock explained which lessons the Sharks took from the Bulls’ win over the Irish giants this past weekend.
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“We saw the importance of controlling the physical side of the game and the set piece,” Jenkins said.
“The scrum won the game for the Bulls at the end.
“That is a focus point for us.
“We have confidence in our pack to bring that on Saturday. That is an area where we feel we can target them.
“Then we have the backs who can create a bit of magic at the back of that. That will be one of the focus points for us.”
Jenkins feels that the Sharks pack has grown in leaps and bounds and is ready for a physical onslaught against their more fancied Irish opponents.
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“We [the Sharks pack] started the season off slow.
“However, we started to find our feet.
“Our scrums in the last couple of weeks improved a lot. We’re getting a bit of dominance there.
“Our line-outs and mauling have been a lot more accurate. We’ll look to keep building on that and grow every week.
“Everyone has bought into the plan, and we’re definitely on the mend.”
The Bulls ended Leinster’s 12-match unbeaten run with a late David Kriel penalty after the full-time siren sounded.
Jenkins didn’t mince his words when asked if the Sharks can hand Leinster back-to-back defeats in South Africa.
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“Of course, it’s possible [to beat Leinster].
“We know what they’ll bring. They’re a quality side.
“They understand their game plan and execute it well.
“We’re going to have to be accurate this weekend to beat them.
“We have the right plans in place if we’ve got everyone on the same page.
“We’ve had a good two days of training so we’re really excited for this weekend.”
Watch the highly acclaimed five-part documentary Chasing the Sun 2, chronicling the journey of the Springboks as they strive to successfully defend the Rugby World Cup, free on RugbyPass TV (*unavailable in Africa)
