Former Springbok wing Akona Ndungane believes the Hollywoodbets Sharks might be running to the Currie Cup climax showdown against the Fidelity ADT Lions on reserve tank after their draining performance in the semi-finals.
The Currie Cup final takes place at the Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg on Saturday at 16:00.
The two sides have had an interesting journey to the final, but the Durban-based franchise were made to dig deep by the Vodacom Bulls to book their spot in the decider.
Ndungane backs both teams to be beaming with confidence in the clash but said the Lions wear the favourites tag into the meeting.
“Both teams have shown great courage and effort to make it through to the final,” Ndungane told Hollywoodbets Sports.
“The Lions showed why they have been the favourites for this tournament, scoring those tries they scored against the Cheetahs and managed to pull through in a game I thought they were put under pressure.
“The bench, Sanele Nohamba was good for them off the bench. I think they would have taken a lot of confidence going into the (final),” he said.
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“Also, the Sharks by beating the Bulls, had everything going against them. Yellow cards, penalties and at one stage they played with 12 players, but I think they would have taken a lot of confidence to walk away having scored six tries against a very good Bulls side.
“And especially playing away from home.
“It’s a final with both sides going to it with a lot of confidence and both sides are hungry for success.
“We know that the URC (United Rugby Championship) is starting next week, so both sides will have an eye on next week’s URC. But I think the Lions will be desperate because they haven’t won a trophy in a long time and are playing at home. They have a point to prove.”
Against the Bulls, the Sharks played a total of 100 minutes including 20 minutes of extra time.
The Sharks also battled indiscipline as at one point they were reduced to 12 men, but still fought hard to get a 40-all final scoreline. They went through based on scoring more tries at the game.
“My worry might be that the Sharks played their final last week but with the quality they have, they can still put up a deal that can put them on the winning side,” he said.
“I think it will be a very close game, but I think the home side will take it purely because the Sharks had a very tough game last week. I don’t see them playing at the same level as they did last weekend.”
Ndungane predicts the Lions will claim a three-point victory to be crowned the champions.
Sharks – 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Corne’ Rahl, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu
Replacements: 16 Dylan Richardson, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Mawande Mdande, 19 Jason Jenkins, 20 Gerbrandt Grobler, 21 Tinotenda Mavesere, 22 Tian Meyer, 23 Lionel Cronje.
