Sharks want total performance
27 Oct 2011
Sharks assistant coach Grant Bashford says his players need to start and finish well against the Lions in Saturday’s Currie Cup final at Ellis Park.
The Sharks had a poor start against the Cheetahs in their semi-final fixture last weekend. They trailed 13-3 at the break, but delivered a strong second half performance to seal a 23-13 win to surge into the final. However, while they managed to win on that occasion, past fixtures suggest that the defending champions seldom triumph once they find themselves behind at the break.
Out of the Sharks’ four defeats in this season’s Currie Cup campaign, they were only ahead at half-time in one of those losses (they were beaten 43-22 by Griquas in Kimberley after leading 16-14 at the end of the opening 40). Their 28-19 defeat to the Lions at Ellis Park during the league phase will further stress the need for a strong start this weekend.
The Lions led 19-9 at the break and converted their 10-point advantage into an important victory. Bashford said his players will need to learn from these games.
‘We got frustrated after creating opportunities in the first half but not getting rewarded,’ said Bashford. ‘The beauty of the second half was when the guys really got it together. If you look at the stats, we made 83 tackles and the Cheetahs made 197. So territory and possession was in our favour. To have come back and dominated in the second half was great.
‘A big start is always important in play-offs. We did it last year against Province, going about 20 points up within 20 minutes. The experience in our group does help if you have to overturn a deficit though.’
Bashford added that both teams will need to be accurate on defence and in their goal kicking.
‘In any big game defence is huge, and I think discipline too. Elton Jantjies has kicked well to goal all year and so has Freddie Michalak. It will come down to small things that could make a big difference.
‘The Lions haven’t been in a final for a long time so the hunger and the desire for them to lift the trophy will be enormous, as it will be for us. We just have to prepare well and hope that everyone is raring to go come Saturday.’
7 Comments
27 Oct 2011, 13:42 pm
Oh well, here goes: “Dragons.”
27 Oct 2011, 13:56 pm
Why do coaches these cliches over and over? I mean, of course he’ll want a “total performance”. He can’t exactly wish for a “disjointed effort”, can he? Or “discipline will not be improtant in this game. It is time to see how far we can stretch this ref”. Even better: “We would like a slow start this time round. We enjoy playing catch-up rugby.”
27 Oct 2011, 14:01 pm
Can’t wait to get to Ellis Park on sat. Go Sharks!
27 Oct 2011, 14:03 pm
Yes for this final a total performance from the beginning will see The Sharks lead from the front for the full 80 minutes.
I can’t see the Lazy Lions being able to withstand the onslaught.
This final is a bridge too far.
27 Oct 2011, 15:26 pm
Subhead: “Assistant coach’s will to win matched only by his eagerness to get off the phone.”
27 Oct 2011, 17:34 pm
it should be a close game, sharks 1-5 might sway it in my opinion but then, the lions 6-8 have been awesome.
…and then we need to wonder if the sharks will know what to do with the ball once the centers get it.
they’re so kak they don’t even know how to crash ball.
personally,I see a lot of traffic heading jantjies direction keeping him at the bottom of a ruck and knackered quickly.
28 Oct 2011, 08:27 am
I think its going to be an epic battle. Both sides will give it hell. I think there are a few players that want to make a massive statement. Bismark will show the world that he is the best hooker. Feel sorry for the Lions who have to stop him!!! Both teams deserve to be in the Final!!! Go Sharks !!!
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