The in-form Hollywoodbets Sharks XV are taking nothing for granted ahead of their crucial round eight Currie Cup matchup against Western Province in Cape Town on Saturday.
The Durban side have risen to fourth on the overall standings after collecting three wins and a draw in their last four outings. The Pumas are hot on their heels in fifth, trailing by just two points, while the Free State Cheetahs (third) are three points better off.
As for sixth-placed WP, their latest two defeats have left their playoff hopes dangling by a thread sitting seven points off their opponents this week with just three games left.
Said Sharks coach JP Pietersen: “Province and us are in a similar boat, we’re trying to blood a young group and young players coming through. Unfortunately, results didn’t go their way, they played very well in the couple of games I’ve seen. It was a very close game in Joburg until the Lions got away with the game [41-22 last week].
“They’ve got massive pride playing in Cape Town. It’s going to be a tough game; it’s a group that’s going to be desperate to put things right. The scoreboard doesn’t show justice to what they’ve been doing.
“We’ve prepped ourselves for a very hard, physical, ‘grind’ type of game.”
Although the men from the east coast are favoured to take this one, Pietersen isn’t getting carried away with the hype.
“We respect every team we play against – 24 hours in rugby is a long time. They’re definitely going to take the game to us. I’ve told the group you don’t underestimate your opponent. Respect your opposition and play the game as hard as you can every game.”
Pietersen acknowledged the improvement his players have shown under the leadership of Nick Hatton, but it’s clear he isn’t taking his eyes off the ball as the tournament comes to a head.
“We’ve been through a very difficult stage in the beginning. Massive credit to Nick Hatton as a young captain, pulling the group together and leading well. Not by just talking, but on the field: keeping the standards where we want them week in and week out.
“We had a belief that we can compete in this competition, and we showed what the talent in this group can produce. We’re in a good place, but it doesn’t mean the job is done.”
The match gets underway at 15h00 at Cape Town Stadium.
