The Sharks will have arrived back in Durban with their confidence at an all-time high and filled with belief that they have what it takes to beat the Stormers in this Saturday’s Super Rugby semi-final at Newlands (5.05pm kick-off).
In an epic display of finals rugby against the Reds, the Durban side defied the odds by comfortably winning an overseas knockout game, with their off-loading in contact and phase play particularly impressive in the first half, while their defence was outstanding in the second stanza.
The Sharks have now won seven out of their last eight matches and found some imperious form, with a near full-strength pack providing some formidable firepower that was clearly lacking earlier in the season when injuries had forced a number of forwards out of action.
The Sharks will spend this week training in familiar territory and sleeping in their own beds before travelling to Cape Town on the eve of the semi-final.
Having made the journey to and from Australia in the space of a week, though, travel fatigue will be a factor, and so the Sharks will undoubtedly have a few days of carefully managed preparation. By contrast, the Stormers will have enjoyed the extra week of rest that they were afforded after finishing top of the log, and should also welcome back a couple of key players from injury, Duane Vermeulen and Eben Etzebeth.
However, the Durbanites will believe that they are capable of booking their place in a final against either the Chiefs or Crusaders.
Way back in the second round of Super Rugby, the Sharks suffered only a three-point defeat to the Stormers in Cape Town, while more recently they comprehensively outplayed their coastal foes in Durban.
“We’re looking forward to playing the Stormers,” Sharks captain Keegan Daniel said immediately after their win over the Reds. “We lost narrowly there last time, but this is finals rugby and anything can happen. We’ll rest up, spend some time at home with our families and then make the trip to Cape Town.”
Reflecting on what was probably the performance of their season, Daniel credited the character and courage shown against the Reds.
“We’re pretty tired but it was an epic game of rugby. I’m very proud of the boys, we travelled a long way and it isn’t easy to come here and win. We knew if we looked after the ball and built a few phases then we would get some chances.
“Defence wins games and the boys put their bodies on the line,” he added. “We knew it was going to be physical and that the side whose pack came out on top was likely to be the winner, but now we’re just looking forward to getting back home.” – Cape Times