Good news appears to suddenly be coming in clusters for the Cell C Sharks, who have followed on from their opening Vodacom Super Rugby win against the Emirates Lions with what for director of rugby Gary Gold will be a pleasing wave of important players returning to the mix.
On Sunday morning, the day after his team scored what he called a “relieving” win over the Lions, Gold received the news that the 2 Japanese clubs that backline kingpins JP Pietersen and Frans Steyn play for were both knocked out of their competition this past weekend. That means they will be back sooner rather than later, and will probably be available for the crucial game against the Stormers in Cape Town the week after next.
“I suppose it’s not nice for those players to lose but it is good news for us,” grinned Gold.
Then on Monday a man that Gold would really like to see in action as soon as possible as he is such an important cog in the forward machine, Willem Alberts, took part in full training for the first time. He could also be ready for the Stormers game.
Also at the 2-hour middle of the day training session on a Kings Park outerfield was Ryan Kankowski. The former Springbok No 8 is now into his 2nd week back from Japan and will be available for Saturday’s clash with the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus.
And although he knew it already, there would have been further good news for Gold had he seen how easily Beast Mtawarira was moving as he watched the session from the sidelines. There was no hobbling, no plaster cast, and it appears he too might be ready for the trip to Cape Town that comes after the one to Pretoria.
The Sharks team for this weekend should see at least 1 change from the 1 that beat the Lions 29 / 12, with big centre Andre Esterhuizen due for a start as a rotational selection. The bulk of the newcomer will be much needed against the physical Bulls. Thomas du Toit also impressed the coaches enough as a replacement against the Lions to be in with a shout for a starting place in the front row against the Bulls.
According to Sharks assistant coach Paul Anthony, one of the secrets of the bounce back performance against the Lions was the way the players made themselves accountable for the poor opening showing against the Cheetahs.
“They knew they were poor. As coaches we did not have to say a word in the one-on-one chats we had with the players last week. They all admitted that their effort was below par. And they all lifted their performances markedly, and we’re hoping they will live it even more, game by game.”
SuperSport