Following the terrible heat and humidity in the early parts of the year, Durban was struck by torrential rain for their last game against Edinburgh. Cool weather is approaching, but the weather cannot be blamed for a performance.
For a player with x-factor, Cell C Sharks eighthman Sikhumbuzo Notshe admits that he’s looking forward to good weather coming in April to express his talents and to see his team-mates in full cry, something that hasn’t always been possible for the first three months of 2022 and even earlier.
But he adds valuable insight as well and an acknowledgement that it’s more than just what you can or can’t do.
“Yes, I am looking forward to cooler weather, but we must never turn this weather thing into an excuse,” he admits.
“We’re playing at home at Hollywoodbets Kings Park, we’re playing in front of our own fans and we must always show energy.
“We must control the things we’re able to. There’s nothing we can do about controlling the weather, whether it’s windy or raining. We don’t want to be a side that makes excuses and waits for a sunny day in Durban so that we can play good rugby. We must perform each week.
Looking back on the Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash with Edinburgh over the weekend, he points out that it’s all about finishing.
“Our conversion rate in the 22 is something we’ve spoken about because it hasn’t been great. We know how to get there, we just need to finish off the opportunities we’re creating for ourselves.
“We’re spending time on the training pitch, putting ourselves in those kinds of situations in that areas of the game, so it’s all about time in the saddle.”
After conceding eight tries to the Vodacom Bulls on the weekend, the Dragons come to Durban with question marks around their defence. The Welsh side are in 15th position on the log, having won just once in the competition, but Notshe warns of the perils of not respecting your opponent, whoever he might be.
“One thing I’ve learned in this competition is that you can’t underestimate any side. The scoreboard might not reflect very well on the Dragons, but in my opinion they put up a real fight in Pretoria.
“Having reviewed that game, they fought hard. If we go into this game underestimating them and thinking that they’ll be a roll over, then we’re on the wrong track.
“We will prepare well and make sure we’ve done our homework and hopefully come away with a ‘W’ on Friday night.
