The Cell C Sharks are now well into preparations for Saturday’s Carling Currie Cup semi-final clash with DHL Western Province in Cape Town and looking forward to the challenge.
Given the nature of knock-outs, where a conservative mindset is usually employed as far as game-plans go – because there is no need to go out and score 50 points, just outscore your opponents – Everitt admitted that as a performance-based side, even though they are adaptable, little would change for this match.
“We’ve played differently in the course of the tournament, differently at home and away because the conditions offer different challenges depending on which venue you play at. We have a good plan in place, there isn’t a lot of time to change a lot over the two week preparation period we’ve had, so the majority of what we’ve done this year will remain the same.”
The fact that the teams didn’t get to play each other twice, means that recent history does not come into the reckoning as far as analysis and planning goes.
“I’m sure they’ve done video analysis on us and we’ve done the same, we see enough of how the other plays to know what to expect, and come the weekend, apart from the odd trick-play, we’ll know that Western Province has a good set-piece.
“Our job and challenge is to combat that. If we get that right, certainly we’ll be in with a very good shout. I’m sure they’ll be looking at their strengths to try and dominate us so I don’t expect there will be too much different from both sides.”
Together with a pool match being called off (against the self-same Western Province) and the semi-finals postponed by a week to give all four qualifying teams an opportunity to get through Covid protocols, the Cell C Sharks effectively had a two-week bye.
“We’ve shown that when we’re able to pick our best team, they’re able to perform,” explained head coach Sean Everitt of the influence a fortnight break might have on the team’s momentum.
“We had a break before we played the Vodacom Bulls at Jonsson Kings Park and the guys adjusted really well and came out strongly and I expect the same for them on Saturday.
“Obviously your rhythm does get interrupted when you don’t play, but we train in a 15 vs 15 format which resembles the game situation. Our guys are raring to go after the break, we’ve got some good players returning from Covid and we have a full squad to select from which also motivates the players and keeps them positive.”
Any criticism of the standard of rugby in this year’s Carling Currie Cup competition needs to be taken within the context of the time of year the tournament is being played at, a novel concept and one not without pitfalls. Those slamming the Currie Cup for the number of scrums and kicking should also consider that high-risk rugby in these conditions doesn’t always bring the rewards.
“You have to play to the conditions and we know the conditions at this time of year are very difficult because of the heat,” Everitt explained. “The Cell C Sharks train in 30-plus degree temperatures, with humidity thrown in as well. When there are derbies, they tend to be set-piece battles anyway and that’s what the Currie Cup is all about.”