Sharks go for the kill
5 Jun 2006
The Sharks are aiming to win the tight matches in this year’s Currie Cup, says flank Jacques Botes.
One of the stars of their Super 14 campaign, Botes believes the Durban boys must keep on improving in the Currie Cup.
“We want to concentrate on winning those close matches,” the Sharks No. 7 told keo.co.za. “We lost a few of the tight ones in the Super 14 which we really should have won [Cheetahs, Crusaders, Brumbies and Hurricanes].”
Dick Muir and his charges will focus on upping their fitness levels over these next few weeks before their Currie Cup kicks off on 23 June against the Lions.
“We now have a good platform to build from, and we are looking to mature into a more complete side,” said Botes.
The Sharks scored 42 tries in their 13 matches of the Super 14 round robin, and were second only to the Crusaders who scored 47, including the semi-final and final. However, Dick Muir’s side leaked 36 tries, and this is probably what cost them a playoff spot.
“We have identified our defence as something that needs to be improved,” Botes admitted, before commenting on possible Springbok selection. Many believed he was worthy of a national call-up in May, but Botes says he just wants to do well for the Sharks.
“It’s not up to me and all I can do is my best in the Currie Cup. Obviously it is a goal to be part of the Springbok team, and as soon as possible with the World Cup next year.”
Botes has been lauded for his hard running and work in the tight-loose, and yet this is only his first season on the blindside flank.
“This year was the first year I played at No 7, and it has been something I have needed to adapt to. I also want to take my ball skills to a new level. I don’t always want to be the one running off a team-mate’s shoulder, I want to be in a position where I can have people running off me.”
By Jon Cardinelli
16 Comments
5 Jun 2006, 15:39 pm
Go Sharks !!
5 Jun 2006, 15:42 pm
The sharks must stop talking and start producing, they surely have the capabilities to do good this year. but i doubt them winning the cc.
5 Jun 2006, 15:44 pm
Come on Sharkies you can do It.
One problem is they are missing allot of players to the various bok squads i.e. u/19′s, u/21′s and the boks proper.
5 Jun 2006, 15:49 pm
This kid really impressed me this year.
7 or 8th man, he can become really good.
5 Jun 2006, 15:53 pm
Botes is an 8th man, type of player competing with the likes of Van Niekerk.
5 Jun 2006, 15:57 pm
If nurtured correctly, he can become damn good at 8, he has all the skills and amazing speed.
5 Jun 2006, 16:03 pm
Botes, although a great player, wont make the teams soon. Too many loosie that Jake will never let go in front of him. Feel sorry for him.
5 Jun 2006, 16:14 pm
Huge potential – plenty of pace this guy!
5 Jun 2006, 16:19 pm
Oh, the Sharks talk a pretty good talk. Unfortunately their first game is against the Lions. Back to mother earth with a thump.
Having said that, Botes was just about the most impressive SA loosie in the Super14, IMHO.
5 Jun 2006, 16:24 pm
Katman
Why so confident we beat you in the super 14 and we will do it again.
5 Jun 2006, 16:31 pm
Yes, but who have you beaten, say, 38-0 recently?
5 Jun 2006, 16:31 pm
Dig his comment
” I also want to take my ball skills to a new level. I don’t always want to be the one running off a team-mate’s shoulder, I want to be in a position where i can have people running of me”
This is pretty refreshing coming from a South African player. What you normally get is these kinds of comments coming from English players (S.Abbott) or players from Oz e.g. George Smith. They always seem to know more about their individual games in relation to their strengths and weaknessses.
Listen to European/S American players talk about their game on UEFA magazine, it is always as if the players’ opnions are taken from a coaching manual.
5 Jun 2006, 16:35 pm
nondoda
Abbott is from SA playing for England.
Different coaching style.
5 Jun 2006, 22:10 pm
katman
hows your brain work ??
Optimistic to the point of dillusional !!
5 Jun 2006, 23:16 pm
Ons gaan julle weer klap en julle gaan weer choke in die finaal of semi-finaal.
6 Jun 2006, 08:39 am
Jondood
About Abbot.. I know everything there is to know about the player.
Abbott born and bred in SA, now one of England’s finest backs. He happens to be a goood player who has nice things to say about the game in his interviews.
Guys like Gus Theron should have been given the pommie citizenship instead of Abbott but that is another story.
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