Tera Mtembu: Wants better finishing
Sharks’ captain Tera Mtembu admits that the defending Currie Cup champions have slumped into a “desperate” position in their bid to defend the title.
The Durban-based side drew 30-30 with the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein last Saturday and must now win all of their four remaining games if they want to have any chance of reaching the semi-finals.
“I think the word we can use is desperate,” said Mtembu said on Tuesday.
“We’ve slipped into a position now that we have to win every game.
Planet Rugby
“But our focus obviously is the Bulls first and it’s a must-win game for us. The other games will then follow.”
The Sharks must beat the Blue Bulls in Pretoria this week and follow that up with home victories over the Eastern Province Kings and the Golden Lions before playing another must-win game away at current table-toppers Western Province.
They also need to pick up bonus points along the way, or else they can be caught by the Cheetahs or the Bulls, should those two rivals win all their matches.
“Ultimately we’d like to get a semi-final spot,” Mtembu said.
“But that’s something we can’t control. We want to try and win the last four games and if we can do that the log will take care of itself.”
Brad Macleod-Henderson’s side has been boosted by news that Lwazi Mvovo will be available after he was released from Springbok duty for the Loftus Versfeld Stadium clash.
But team doctor Alan Kourie confirmed that veteran Bok wing Odwa Ndungane will be out after sustaining a groin strain.
He joins centre Heimar Williams, sidelined with the same injury for four weeks, on the casualty list, which also includes England prop Matt Stevens (knee).
Another front rower, Thomas du Toit, faces a late fitness test ahead of Saturday’s clash.
Mtembu, in his first season at the helm, said they have worked on two areas of their game this week.
“I think our big thing is that we are creating opportunities but aren’t executing well,” he said.
“Our discipline has let us down, even though there was a big improvement at the weekend.
“Still, we’re not executing as well as we’d like to. Those are the main areas we’ve been focusing on in the last two weeks – improving on the execution and the discipline.”
But the Sharks’ skipper felt there were plenty of positives in the draw in Bloemfontein, which came on the back of defeats to the Pumas and Griquas, results that have left them hanging desperately on to fourth place.
“I think our discipline was quite good,” added Mtembu.
“Our defence was also good at times and the linkage play between the forwards and backs was probably the best it’s been all season.
“I think we’re creating a lot of opportunities. It’s just that last pass or the finishing that’s missing.”
Anybody for some Blues?
@ ufo: he has this uncanny knack of immediately putting me in a good mood. An original version of one of my favourite VTM songs:
54 @ ufo:
grrrr….
sorry tassies…. damn auto-correct snuck up on me there and changed your name…
59 @ Scrumdown:
“I’m a juvenile drop out from the working class, who’s best friend floats in the bottom of a glass.”
No wonder me and my mates were fooked for life listening to stuff like this when we were 10 or so years old.
As my old lady (Mother) says, sooner or later I’ve got to stop acting 18.
here’s some fun from arlo… about woodstock…
he’s a very intelligent and entertaining singer…!
let me try again
@ GoBokkeAndIreland@51:
And to add to that some viking spirit
58 @ robzim:
62 @ Tassies:
absolutely bud… here’s one of those for me…
And now, for something completely different
@ robzim: 100% proof BLUES Charo/Rob. As my youngest would say: “that’s sick dad”. Roughly translated: he digs it man.
The original master:
@ leon:
You heard of a band called Device? Same vocalist from Disturbed I believe.
@ nortierd:
Cheers nortie
73 @ Stormersboy:
great choice stormersboy… was gonna put man of the world up…
Time to depart gents. Early start tomorrow up to Rustenburg for an arse kicking by Anglo!
A couple of classic voices to end off with.
Good night all.
Larry Carlton & Robben Ford
@ robzim:
Too good Rob.
cheers scrummie…
Haven’t heard this is ages.
@ GoBokkeAndIreland@71:
I like.
@ Charo:
Another request please.
White Stripes – Seven Nation Army.
Voted one of the best guitar riffs ever.
Many thanks.
Hope this isn’t too heavy – but this is one occasion where a cover version beats the original in my opinion.
@ Stormersboy:
Good archive stuff that. People forget about the original routes of Fleetwood Mac.
And what will a pub night be without Ozzy
@ Charo: @85
Great choice!
@ ufo: ag beautiful man. A pure genius. Only one other male vocalist matches VTM(for this man) and that would be another genius, a certain Mr Roy Orbison. They both just have that special voice.
Here’s an original version sung by a very young Mr O:
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