Saturday’s pivotal URC match at Ellis Park pits the Sharks against the Lions, and flyhalf Curwin Bosch says his team is eager to make amends for previous errors.
The Sharks are currently in eighth place in the United Rugby Championship standings, occupying the final available playoff spot.
However, the Sharks were thrashed by the Stormers 46-19 at Kings Park in their final URC match on February 4.
The Sharks have gotten off to a quick start in an effort to avoid a repeat of that performance and result, as stated by the 25-year-old Bosch.
“According to our standards, that performance was insufficient. “We obviously conducted an in-depth analysis of what went wrong; I believe nothing went our way that day,” Bosch stated.
“We committed errors that we would not normally do, and a good club like the Stormers will punish you for them. They capitalized on their opportunity, and we were unable to recover.
“I believe that our lack of discipline was a major role in our loss in that game. As a result of consistently conceding penalties, it was really difficult for us to get back into the game.
Powell plans to get the Sharks into the URC playoffs.
SHARKS WILL BE OKAY IN URC SAYS BOSCH
Bosch acknowledged that they learned a great deal from their loss to the Stormers, the most crucial of which was to execute the kickoff correctly.
“It is essential that we begin properly at Ellis Park. We are eager to make amends this weekend. We know what we are capable of, and we will get started immediately.”
We haven’t treated this game any differently than any other; we’re committed to our process and eager to do well on the field.
“Training has gone extremely well, and the players are eager to make amends this weekend by applying the lessons learned from the loss to the Stormers.”
“We are aware that the Lions always attempt to play a bit more expansive rugby. They are an excellent set-piece squad, with a strong scrum, so we have prepared accordingly. But our focus is on executing our plan, and if we can achieve that, everything will be fine.”
As far as recruitment in sports is concerned, the Lions have gained the services of a number of ex-Sharks players, the bulk of whom will likely face their former squad and teammates.
Bosch is looking forward to reuniting with center Marius Louw, forward Willem Alberts, scrumhalf Sanele Nohamba, and lock Emile van Heerden, all of whom have previously wore the black Sharks shirt.
“It’s strange to see Marra [Marius Louw] in a different jersey; we began our careers with the Sharks together,” he explained.
“He’s a fantastic player; he’s tough and physical, and he’ll bring a high work rate and physicality to any squad. It’s only a matter of our putting a stop to it and minimizing or removing his space.”
Bosch continued, “We are aware of what to anticipate from the Lions.” When the altitude element is in their favor, they prefer to play an expansive style of rugby at home.
“They have several strong players, and a few of our former teammates will be competing against us. It will be an excellent physical and set-piece test for us.”
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