Following the pre-season hit-out against Saracens on 25 January, the next challenge on the Cell C Sharks schedule is a double-header set of matches against the Lions at Ellis Park next Friday night.
Their preparations for Vodacom Super Rugby – aside from what they do on the training pitch and in the gym – involve just two warm-up games before the competition gets going. Their first match will be against the Bulls at Growthpoint KINGS PARK in two weeks’ time, and by the time the match kicks off, they would have had the two warm-ups to prepare.
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Some teams opt to hit the season running and plan accordingly with a handful of fixtures, whilst others plan with their schedule in mind. Had the Cell C Sharks had a protracted run of fixtures without rest, Director of Rugby Jake White admits they would have opted for low-key games instead of taking on the UK’s top side and a fellow Super Rugby team.
“Our choice of warm-up games was based on the Super Rugby draw,” he explains. “We have two byes in the first six weeks, so it’s not bad to have a couple of tough games now. Had we had six or seven tough games in a row without a bye, I would be reluctant to play too many tough games now, because then it becomes a nine or 10 game stretch.
“The way it’s worked out for us, we have the Bulls and Hurricanes and then a bye, then four games and another bye. It’s not a bad thing to have one or two tough games now because of the fact that we get two byes so early.”
The team arrived back from London in one piece, with just a few bumps and bruises and no major injuries to report, and will hope to have the same outcome as far as injuries are concerned when they take on the Lions next Friday night.
White’s focus for this match is similar to the Saracens’ plan – to give as much game time as possible to everyone.
“I’d like to get some cohesion going with the main guys as well as try and give opportunities to guys who I think might be needed in the next few weeks,” he explains.
“We’ll use this match as a double trial, one for seniors and also an opportunity for the juniors. What we want to get out of this is that I’d like my main guys to be playing and I’d like some of the juniors to also get some game time.”
He adds that excitement levels are now very high as everyone wants to start playing, not just practicing. Super Rugby starts in two weeks and everyone is keen to get stuck in.
“I am looking forward to the start, it’s time now,” he says.
“The next couple of weeks will be nice as well. What I want people to understand is that we’ve had the most Springboks of any other franchise away. So I’d like a couple more weeks, but I know that the guys who have been training since October are waiting for an opportunity. That’s exciting: two-thirds of my squad are youngsters, keen to get involved. And I have the experience of the older guys.
“We want to start because there is no much energy now with the new changes, the new CEO, a new vibe.”