The Sharks fielded an understrength and inexperienced side against Toulouse and paid the price with a 56-19 defeat in their Champions Cup opener. The Sharks held "frank discussions" this week and vowed to "turn the ship around" for their first home game of the competition against Saracens, on Saturday at 17:15 (SA Time).
Hollywoodbets Sharks utility player André Esterhuizen acknowledged the team is "definitely hurting from last week's loss and how the season has gone so far", but is focused on the challenge posed by the star-studded Saracens, who secured a dominant 47-10 victory over Clermont in their opening fixture.
“A lot has happened while we were away. But everyone is focused on the same task, getting us back to where we should be. This weekend’s game is a big one, and that’s all we’re looking at. Whatever happens, we know we need to play rugby to the best of our ability.”
“Saracens are a great side, and they showed their form against Clermont. I’ve played them a few times in the past, and they are always tough to beat. They have a strong set-piece, their attack has evolved, and they are very structured. It will be a challenge.”
“The Sharks have been in situations where our backs were against the wall before, but we’re not looking at it that way,” Esterhuizen said.
“We see Saracens as our next game. We’ve experienced pressure before, and that could help us heading into this match against Saracens. We’ve had two good days of training. It has been very hot in Durban, but the boys have worked hard. This is a tough Champions Cup fixture, and we want to deliver a team performance as we have in the past. We haven’t been up to scratch this season.”
“This is an opportunity to see our game evolve and improve. Each week, we are motivated to play well, and we want the fans to come back and watch us. That is the goal of any rugby team.”