Barney lauds fatboys
12 May 2007
Sharks skipper John Smit has praised his pack for their commanding performance in Saturday’s playoff.
The Sharks forwards troubled the Blues in Albany, but not to the extent they did in Durban. Their scrum was in rampant form, often reducing the Blues to a huddled mass and turning over possession on several occasions. Smit, who was flanked by two Springbok props in Deon Carstens and BJ Botha, was understandably chuffed.
“It confirms the fat, dumb okes are most definitely the unsung heroes,” he said. “The forwards really set the platform. When you have a lock who is named man of the match and a tighthead who is turning over possession at scrum time, you have a great advantage.
“A tighthead has done well if he manages to get two or three turnovers a season. To get that amount in one game is phenomenal.”
The line-out was also much improved, with the Sharks only losing one against the throw and snaffling a few from the Blues. Their mauling was impressive and they will be confident going into next week’s clash with the Bulls. With a great showing at scrum-time, they are also the one team who may be able to match the Bully Boys in this set-piece.
Smit confirmed belief and confidence has had a lot do with their success this season. He stated it was a testament to his side’s attitude that players like Deon Carstens and Brad Barrit even played the Blues. Both were doubtful to start, but turned out in full force.
“I think guys like Deon and Brad are great examples, as they didn’t want to sit out; they soldiered on for the cause. It really is a special group of players, and I think the management deserves a lot of the credit as well,” he said.
By Jon Cardinelli, at Absa Stadium, Durban.
4 Comments
12 May 2007, 20:06 pm
shark feeding time next week…and red meat too
12 May 2007, 20:46 pm
Yes Polly!
Hunt down those Bulls… And leave nothing behind(ie.. pump them) Glad the Bulls have won but now my support is firmly against them.
13 May 2007, 02:06 am
Shouldn’t the heading be “Barney LARDS the fat boys”?!
13 May 2007, 10:12 am
the first maul of the game made it look like the blues were going to hammer the sharks but they stuck to their guns, well done sharks
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