‘Sharks’ backs are their weakness’
28 Oct 2011
Japie Mulder says the Lions must target the Sharks backline in the Currie Cup final.
There will be several key match-ups when the Lions and Sharks go head-to-head at Ellis Park on Saturday. Defence and discipline will be crucial in the title decider as both teams boast flyhalves with accurate boots, while lineouts and scrums will be important platforms to work from.
The forwards battle will also be immense as both teams will want to set the momentum for their backlines. This is the where former Lions centre Mulder believes the hosts can gain the upper hand.
‘The Sharks’ backline is definitely one of their weak areas and the Lions should be targeting it,’ Mulder told keo.co.za. ‘The Lions are playing really well this season because there is a greater sense of self belief among the players. It’s really great that they’ve managed to execute a strong expansive game, which is one of the reasons why they’ve won so many games in the Currie Cup. If the Lions play to their potential, I think they’ll be good enough to expose the Sharks out wide.
‘The centre pair of Alwyn Hollenbach and Doppies la Grange will be key in that aspect. They’ve formed a very good midfield combination and have made a big impact on the Lions’ attack and defence. But I also believe the whole team will have to play their part if they want to expose the Sharks backline effectively.’
Mulder also added that the Sharks’ late addition of the seven World Cup Springboks to their starting line-up will be more of a disadvantage than a benefit.
‘A lot of people are saying the Sharks will be favourites because of their Boks, but I believe their late inclusion will be very disruptive. It’s tough for players to adapt to late changes, especially after a certain group of players played together for almost the whole league phase of the tournament.’
Mulder came out to show his support at the team’s jersey signing session on Wednesday. He was upbeat about the Lions’ Currie Cup campaign and believes it will be an important step forward for the team.
‘Many of the old Transvaal players have been chatting and we are all really chuffed to see the union doing so well. It’s also been great that the fans have come out to show their support. It’s been a difficult 12 years for the Lions fans,’ said Mulder.
‘I’m very happy with what John Mitchell is doing with this team. Obviously his plans are working and he’s proved that he’s the right man for the job. This is the same group of players that struggled two years ago, so credit must be given to John for his work over the last couple of seasons. Hopefully the guys can carry this momentum into Super Rugby next season and continue to grow from there.’
by Gareth Duncan, in Johannesburg
Follow SA Rugby mag on Twitter
61 Comments
Pages: « 1 [2] Show All
28 Oct 2011, 14:16 pm
@Tiptackle(Tiptackle)-49:
Hahaha…ja right.
28 Oct 2011, 14:19 pm
@bryce_in_oz(bryce_in_oz)-46:
I agree unfortunately. 2012 needs a few changes amongst the Old Guard.
Sean Everitt we need you buddy.
28 Oct 2011, 14:35 pm
@Great White Shark(Predawn)-52:
Not going to happen in 2012… you only have to read a KnobsWorld pre-game ‘article’ to see how the happy-clappy gang are espousing the CC as being the holy-grail of rugby all of a sudden for the Sharks…
A CC win will be a total glossing over of the myriad of deficiencies from packs to backs…
28 Oct 2011, 14:36 pm
@bryce_in_oz(bryce_in_oz)-53:
As per normal the bookies are more ‘objective’… they have this game close to even… which it should really be imo…
28 Oct 2011, 14:55 pm
@bryce_in_oz(bryce_in_oz)-53: why do u deride SharksWorld at every opportunity you get? did robdylan ban you?
28 Oct 2011, 15:00 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-55:
I deride blind religion too… I cannot stomach either…
Plenty of good knowledgeable blokes on there mate… however the self-righteousness whilst bagging the other provinces is irony that’s beyond a few on there…
28 Oct 2011, 15:01 pm
It’s the other site that gets you banned quicker than Silverfern.
Say one funny thing about Joost and they take it all out of context….
28 Oct 2011, 15:04 pm
@bryce_in_oz(bryce_in_oz)-56: um, funny to you and funny to the rest of the world are verrrryyy different things predawn…for one, you’re blogging from a bunker
28 Oct 2011, 15:06 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-58:
You have to have a finely tuned sense of humour from a bunker…one would even say a bunker humour.
28 Oct 2011, 15:10 pm
The best thing that could happen for SA rugby is for the Lions to give the Sharks a snort klapping of the highest order. Maybe then the Sharks “brain”trust will realise the types of changes which are needed.
28 Oct 2011, 15:15 pm
Na it won’t happen. The final will resemble the carnage of two weeks ago.
Tis true.
Pages: « 1 [2] Show All
Have your say
You must be logged in to post a comment.