Sharks no longer underdogs
21 Jun 2006
Sharks scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar has returned from the Springbok camp and can’t wait for the first Absa Currie Cup match against the Lions this weekend.
The Sharks used the underdog tag to their advantage brilliantly in the Super 14, but have already been installed as many people’s favourites to take the title this year.
Pienaar believes it is going to be tough though, especially in the opening game on Friday night. “It’s not going to be easy, that’s for sure,” Pienaar told keo.co.za. “We are expecting a tough game. They have made some changes and with Loffie (Lions coach Eugene Eloff) they will have a different approach.”
Pienaar acknowledges that home matches must be won, and won well, if a team hopes to secure a home semi-final. “Home ground advantage is very important and we know we need to get off to a good start on Friday, because the expectation is huge.”
Like many of the top sides in the competition, the Sharks are missing several players on national duty either with the Springboks or the U21′s. “We are confident of our depth and the Lions are also missing some key players. It will take a massive effort from all of us to pull through.”
The Sharks have a reputation now and it is almost certain they will continue trying to grind teams down with their formidable forward unit before unleashing their potent backline, Pienaar included.
By Andrew Hollely
16 Comments
21 Jun 2006, 09:59 am
He should be involved vs the Frogs…
FDP should go to play CC.
21 Jun 2006, 10:03 am
Waste of bloody talent
21 Jun 2006, 10:12 am
Totally agree with posts 1 and 2…
21 Jun 2006, 10:27 am
Why the f&*% is not in the bok squad??? Why does Jake insist with Januarie????????/ quota
21 Jun 2006, 10:30 am
bigg, either you are stirring or being a ‘bigg’ chop. Which one is it?
21 Jun 2006, 10:37 am
Ruan is not good enough for the boks.
Just because he has a few good games it does not make him top scrummie.
Experience has shown the Du preez has what it takes and has proved it at top level over the past 2 years. Very good all round game.
If he is out of form his class will get him back soon enough.
21 Jun 2006, 10:38 am
Wes you know me!! I am stirring bru
I still think that Enrico has had a KUK season and Ruan Pienaar deserves his place…
21 Jun 2006, 10:47 am
bigg, i’d prefer Januarie instead of FDP. He kicks away too much posession. Ricki looks sharp whenever he comes on as a sub. Just needs to lose a bit of weight though…
Bolla has been more consistent than any of the above, even ruan had a few bad moments when his defence was lacking big time. especially vs the aussie and nz teams… he is good and has talent but is not experienced enough to start vs the French.
21 Jun 2006, 10:52 am
wpw agree with you re FdP. The reason our backline is not seeing the ball plain and simply FdP!! Even an overweight RJ looked better!!
21 Jun 2006, 11:24 am
wpw,
I rate Ricky, but ****, has he been hanging out with QD an Ollie? Keep FDP and Ruan for now and let ricky run laps until he pukes! He needs to loose weight before he runs on the field for the Boks. Shape up or ship out.
21 Jun 2006, 11:28 am
is he that mfuta or is it muscle? he seems to be able to move quickly enough.
21 Jun 2006, 11:33 am
bokinozzie, Ruan has had a few good SEASONS not games.
And it all started when he singlehandedly demolished the Brumbies, who haven’t lost a game at that stage, whilst the Sharks haven’t won a game then.
Ruan is better than any other scrummy in SA, on attack, spreading the ball, kicking from the base…
It is foolish to not play him.
21 Jun 2006, 11:37 am
Bokinozzie
Ruan was the only SA player rated highly by Aus and NZ during the S14. He is good enough. Du Preez is only there to take pressure off JndW.
21 Jun 2006, 12:44 pm
When Pienaar came up against FDP he did’nt know his elbow from his *******. He’s not even close to good enough and Jake knows it.
The Lions to give the guppies a good thrashing.
21 Jun 2006, 13:40 pm
A province should be judged by the amount of players they have in the Bok setup.
In this case the Sharks are still minnows.
FDP is still the best we have with Ruan very close behind him.
Ruan is a rare talent, but he should be developed as a flyhalf or fullback.
22 Jun 2006, 02:26 am
15#
CAN I ADD, JAKE WHITE SUCSESS COMPARED TO PREVIOUS COACHES LIES IN THE AMOUNT OF BBS HE USED
H Viljoen played the majority of his tests with 1 or less Blue Bulls, and look at his results
Jake never played with less than 3 Bulls , average 4/5 and look at his results. EOY tour he used 6 in the winning games against ARG and SCOT
Check all Springbok tests stats at Genslins site , Springbok Rugby tests
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