Durban – Sharks' coach Brad Macleod-Henderson is surprised that the Eastern Province Kings have failed to win a single Currie Cup match this season ahead of their meeting in Durban on Saturday.
The men from Port Elizabeth have struggled upon their return to the Premier Division for the first time in 12 years, losing all seven of their games to date to sit bottom of the competition standings.
“If you look at their performances, they've pushed a few sides, they've played some nice rugby and scored a few tries,” Macleod-Henderson said.
The Sharks' coach believed the visitors would be a threat on attack after they had crossed the whitewash 17 times in comparison to the 16 of the defending champions.
“They are quite comfortable keeping the ball in hand, so we know we're going to have to put up a good performance on Saturday to get the result,” he said.
“Defensively we need to be strong because they like to play a bit.
“We need to make sure we make our tackles and work hard on defence, and then there are a few things on attack that we're looking at doing.”
Last weekend the third-placed Sharks beat the Blue Bulls 26-15
in Pretoria to end a three-match winless streak – with losses to the Pumas and Griquas as well as a draw with the Free State Cheetahs.
“We want to put in a good performance. We want the result and to keep improving as a team,” he said.
“In the last two games, there have been patches of fantastic play. If we can string that together for 80 minutes, it will be hard for any side to live with us.
“We must primarily focus on how we play. If we get that right, and do that for 80 minutes, I'm pretty confident we will get the win.”
In a bid to continue the momentum, the Durbanites have stuck with almost the same team to play the Kings, with just one enforced change as flank Khaya Majola comes in for his debut in place of the injured Jacques Botes.
The Eastern Cape outfit, meanwhile, have made six changes with Tim Whitehead, Tobie Botes, Stefan Willemse, CJ van der Linde, Charles Marais and Darron Nell, who will captain the team, all included.
“The Sharks had a very good performance against the Bulls and they will be confident,” Kings' coach Carlos Spencer said.
“Going to the Shark tank is never an easy job.
“It's another opportunity, so we just have to make the most of it.” – Sapa