Sharks pack pave way to title

Sharks pack pave way to title

25 Oct 2012

GARETH DUNCAN, reporting from Durban, says the Sharks’ powerful pack will be central in their expected victory over WP in Saturday’s Currie Cup final.

Sharks head coach John Plumtree made his intentions clear with the promotions of loosehead prop Beast Mtawarra, flank Willem Alberts and hooker Craig Burden this weekend. He aims to outmuscle the lighter and younger Province pack in the domestic showdown at Kings Park.

Plumtree’s decision not to promote in-form Baby Bok and Sharks U21 utility forward Pieter-Steph du Toit also reveals his plan for dominance up front. He’s opted for the heavier and more robust Anton Bresler and Steven Sykes in the second row, with Jandre Marais providing lock cover on the bench.

Du Toit was touted as a solution to the Sharks’ lineout woes, which Province will target on Saturday. However, skipper Keegan Daniel revealed to me earlier in the week that they will be better prepared at the set pieces and have come up with tactics to defend against the well-drilled Province rolling maul.

These selections and Plumtree’s management of his returning Springboks will play a key part in their hopes of achieving ascendancy among the forwards, which was central in their 20-3 semi-final win over the Blue Bulls last weekend, especially on defence.

The Bulls had several trying-scoring opportunities from striking range during the second half, which would’ve brought them back into the contest. However, the hosts’ strong defence, especially at the breakdowns, was successful in keeping their opposition out and they achieved a comfortable win.

The key pack match-ups on Saturday will be between the tight fives and loose forwards.

The Sharks have a stronger tight five, which should see them dominate the scrums. Surely you’d expect their front row, which includes two experienced Springbok props in Jannie du Plessis and Beast Mtawarira, to have the advantage against a green Province front line. Plumtree admitted that his team should have the upper hand in this facet of play.

However, WP forwards coach Matt Proudfoot is confident his young bucks can do the job: ‘I think we’ve scrummed generally well this season. [Props] Steven Kitshoff and Frans Malherbe have developed really well during the year. If they play to their potential, they’ll do well against the Sharks.’

WP also have experienced front-rowers in Deon Carstens and Brok Harris on the bench, and they’ll be expected to strengthen the scrum efforts in the second half.

The loose forward battle will be a potential match-leveller.

While the Sharks have a stronger loose trio combination, the poaching capabilities of WP duo Duane Vermeulen and Deon Fourie (who’s been in great domestic form) will pose a threat.

Daniel believes his team will have to nullify this: ‘Deon has been in great from. He’s a strong ball-carrier and we’ve seen how effective he is on the ground. Duane has also done well this year. We just have to play to our strengths and keep our focus. The performance of the forwards up front will be crucial in who wins the Currie Cup final.’

However, Fourie has proven to be a hot-head this season. He’s been involved in several off-the-ball spats and has shown ill-discipline, even as captain. Head coach Allister Coetzee will need to restrict his aggression.

Province are without key heavies in hooker Tiaan Liebenberg and lock Andries Bekker, who picked up injuries in the final league game a fortnight ago. Their absence will be telling as I don’t think Scarra Ntubeni (despite his impressive form) and De Kock Steenkamp have the abilities to fill in effectively. Liebenberg’s power up front and Bekker’s lineout strengths will be missed.

A full-strength WP team would’ve been competitive against the Sharks in this weekend’s final. But the Cape side have lost too much firepower, especially among the forwards.

Follow Gareth on Twitter
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73 Comments

  • 1.umfezi: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 09:12 am

    Dominant Dragons!

  • 2.umfezi: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 09:14 am

    Jeez man, what´s up with this “expected victory” by the Sharks nonsense? The only people, who believe this, are the Keo “journos” and totally blind to reality Sharks supporters. Anything can happen in a final.

  • 3.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 09:18 am

    I do think a Saffa team should be victorious, and I would just like to be the first kiwi to congratulate our Saffa brothers on finally winning some silverware this year…

    :mrgreen:

  • 4.pokkel: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 09:27 am

    @poppa69-3:

    You clearly forgot the JWC victory!

  • 5.Zandberg Jansen: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 09:29 am

    @poppa69-3: Thx. Sorry to hear about your draw against Aus and not claiming your record winning streak. We are praying for your team and supporters.

  • 6.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 09:30 am

    “skipper Keegan Daniel revealed to me earlier in the week that they will be better prepared at the set-pieces and have come up with tactics to defend against the well-drilled Province rolling maul.”

    this must be the “piggy back” tactic keegan employed on the Argie maul @ Newlands :lol:

  • 7.The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 09:40 am

    @poppa69-3: The Stormers won a conference cup :) And the Baby Boks made us proud with some silver…..

    @Transformation-6: Yee – hah – giddyup. I’m sorry – but that image, and what he said afterwards is the stuff of legend.

  • 8.skunk: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 09:53 am

    This weekend will be funny. If province lose i will enjoy skops rants. They are going to be classic.

  • 9.umfezi: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 09:56 am

    @Transformation-6: Daniel has disrupted a lot of mauls like that through the years. It wasn´t his fault that the rest of the forwards decided to go awol. But anyway, people will always remember the one standout error when they try to dis a player for whatever reason. Sort of like the rest of the anti-Sharks morons on here, who reckon Lambie is kak because he kicked one ball out on the full.

  • 10.trupisero: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 09:59 am

    @umfezi-2: Its pretty much the same as the victory by the ABs in NZ being expected. Nobody seriously gave the boks much of a chance did they?

    @skunk-8: You mean WHEN province lose. :)

  • 11.Sasuke: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 10:16 am

    The Sharks are going to have one mean team next year. When is Bismarck coming back?

    1. Beast
    2. Bismarck
    3. Jannie
    4. Sykes
    5. Bresler
    6. Daniel
    7. Alberts
    8. Kankowski
    9. Mcleod
    10. Lambie
    11. Mvovo
    12. F.Steyn
    13. Jordaan
    14. JPP
    15. Ludick

    16. Burden
    17. Herbst
    18. Steph du Toit
    19. Marcell Coetzee
    20. Reinach
    21. Whitehead
    22. Odwa

  • 12.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 10:20 am

    @umfezi-9: “But anyway, people will always remember the one standout error when they try to dis a player for whatever reason”

    before you also now up and leave the site, this is not just about “people dissing” keegan, this was highlighted by the Springbok coach!

    “It was a difficult decision between Jacques and Keegan, but we have gone with horses for courses this time,” said Meyer.

    “We’re expecting it will be very physical early in the game and it might open up later, which perfectly suits the strongpoints of both Jacques and Keegan.

    “The Pumas also mauled quite well in Cape Town and we were not happy with the defence of their mauls, so with the extra weight Jacques brings, we will have to ensure we stop their drives.

  • 13.wp. winning nothing never looked so easy: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 10:23 am

    keegan has a cc.

    he won it with the team he represents.

    no one in wp can say this.

  • 14.wp. winning nothing never looked so easy: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 10:24 am

    the action on the koster and etsebeth threads reminds me of the ostrich.

    keep on keeping your heads down wp’s.

  • 15.mxhosa: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 10:26 am

    @sasuke-11:

    Sykes will be wearing red and black next year….

  • 16.mamma_lou: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 10:47 am

    “Sharks pack pave way to title”

    siener van rensburg?

  • 17.kfc: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 11:07 am

    Jeez, just hand the guppies the trophy now and get it done with

  • 18.W.P: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 11:14 am

    C’mon WP. Show these Bok incumbent Sharkies what its all about! De Allende to have a blinder. Whitehead will be kept on his toes all afternoon.

  • 19.Stormtrooper: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 13:17 pm

    Why even play the game Gareth. WP should concede and give the Sharks the trophy. Or maybe not. Personally I have it an even contest as in there is nothing in it.

  • 20.wp. winning nothing never looked so easy: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 13:26 pm

    @Stormtrooper-19: thats why you battle to understand wp’s consistent failure for over a decade.

  • 21.Skeppie: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 13:28 pm

    @W.P-18: But how can us “Johnny-come-lately” Natalians pose a threat to the history and power of the mighty WP? Surely you guys are favourites?

  • 22.wp. winning nothing never looked so easy: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 13:35 pm

    @Skeppie-21: :lol:

    i notice that wp guys like that dog pedigree are taking the cowardly route.

    it is sad to see fans so unsure of themselves and their team and lacking the chutzpah to back them to the hilt.

  • 23.umfezi: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 14:07 pm

    @Transformation-12: So you agree with Meyer´s handling of the Boks thus far? Hope not, dude. Especially the “we´re going with horses for courses this time” statement is more than pathetic. When the course changed he still played bash-it-up-to-oblivion-but-getting-nowhere Potgieter when Daniel would have added far more value.

    And why would I “up and leave the site”?

  • 24.Jinx2: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 14:51 pm

    Looking forward to a thrilling nail biter. May the best team win.

  • 25.blueboy: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 16:56 pm

    I will be a sharkies fan for a day and hope they kick the slaapstaders all the way back to slaapstad and shut their GROOT BEKS.

  • 26.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 17:20 pm

    @umfezi-23: you’re a sharks fan, aren’t ya?

  • 27.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 17:20 pm

    @blueboy-25: it’s a no-brainer, sharks will win… :roll:

  • 28.wp_boytjie: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 17:27 pm

    @blueboy-25:

    Ag shame. You have to shout for someone else. Barely even made the semi-finals

  • 29.skunk: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 18:23 pm

    Nikita inspired ghost town. Banter should at crazy levels now. Thank you so much Nikki…

  • 30.skunk: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 18:24 pm

    * should be

  • 31.carol: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 18:38 pm

    @skunk-29:

    One would assume that the journo’s here would like to inspire hits on their site.

    Nikita has succeeded in creating an avalance of banter on Rugby Talk instead…..!! :-)

  • 32.Nikita: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 18:42 pm

    @carol-31:

    Hello Carol. Are you marketing?

  • 33.carol: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 18:59 pm

    @Nikita-32:

    Just an observation!! ;-)

  • 34.BrumbiesBoy: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 19:02 pm

    @mxhosa-15: Shame.

  • 35.Gumboots: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 19:03 pm

    @carol-33:

    Hi Carol! How you doing? You getting fit for your trip to SA?

  • 36.skunk: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 19:09 pm

    Nikki she does not need to do any. You have done it for them.

  • 37.carol: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 19:12 pm

    @Gumboots-35:

    Hi there, yep started again today! Fog and mizzle = Argus training weather in England!!

    How are things your end? I must tell you I had an ex racehorse called Gumboots!! ;-)

  • 38.Gumboots: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 19:15 pm

    @carol-37:

    Must have been some horse!!! :lol:

    Well it may be similar weather in Cape Town…

    You have done it before so no surprises…

  • 39.Gumboots: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 19:18 pm

    @carol-37:

    I’m fine thanks, just a very busy time of the year. How’s the hubby doing? I’m sure the horses are keeping you busy anyway…

  • 40.assagai: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 19:18 pm

    Sharks are going to get smacked.. who wanna bet? Its time a coming Sharks gonna get smacked and its overdue Saturday I reckon this one is coming to Cape Town in spite of all this one sided avalanche of opinion.

    Nikki you did absolutely fine.. nothing wrong whatsoever, you put an end to the slobber from the sugar cane plantations, now they crying into their proud pudding over in the fake zone.. don’t you worry about it none.. they know where the reality cuts even if they wanna keep on living in denial about it.

  • 41.skunk: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 19:22 pm

    Skop

    medication running low?

  • 42.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 19:24 pm

    Joanne is back looking for her missing sharks

  • 43.assagai: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 19:25 pm

    just you watch all you highfalutin sharky varkies this time the wheels turning right way round and the needle’s pointing south to Cape Town.. just you watch, and don’t say nobody warned you.

  • 44.assagai: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 19:26 pm

    there no sharks missing here just a couple wet squibs who trying to get their ink jets working in some lonely desolate corner on the fringes of cyberspace.

  • 45.Gumboots: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 19:26 pm

    @assagai-40:

    I wish I had your confidence Skop! Away game, home support, even though I read they are not expecting too many at the game. Shark supporters not happy with ticket prices, so stadium might be half full which affects the atmosphere. I also don’t understand the boohaa.

  • 46.assagai: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 19:28 pm

    @Gumboots-45: we gonna smack them silly watch it happen.. they reckon they untouchable outa sight over the rainbow.. watch them come crashing down.

  • 47.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 19:29 pm

    Who’s the new wp multinic

  • 48.carol: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 19:29 pm

    @Gumboots-38:

    Gumboots was a character!!

    At this time of year WRS gets into rugby mode, cricket stuff packed away!! Thankfully he is too old and too slight to play now!!

    Not sure he would have done the body bulk supplements if he had his time again! Would have probably just played hockey and football at Uni!!

  • 49.Gumboots: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 19:30 pm

    @assagai-46:

    I hope you are right mate. It would give me great pleasure for sure.

  • 50.David: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 19:30 pm

    @carol-31:
    Yep, 20 posts since 1.00 pm. A veritable avalanche. :lol:

  • 51.carol: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 19:31 pm

    Too old for rugby that is!! :-)

  • 52.carol: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 19:33 pm

    @assagai-46:

    Skop, your constant nic changing is so disconcerting!

    Have you planned your celebrations when WP beat The Sharks? :-)

  • 53.carol: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 19:34 pm

    @David-50:

    I wonder how many ‘views’?? ;-)

  • 54.assagai: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 19:36 pm

    there no avalanche nowhere because its all just a faux pas overrated song and dance about pretty much nothing.. and the greedy gratuitous money grubbers trying to fleece the rugby public for a fat ransom.. fat lotta good hiking the ticket prices beyond the break point range so now nobody gets to enjoy all the hoo ha fluster when it all goes flat as a pancake if the final gets played in a half full stadium in wet conditions then its a wet squib before it kicks off… that what greed gets them.. a big fat overrated non event.

  • 55.Gumboots: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 19:37 pm

    @carol-48:

    I must say our weather isn’t much better. Gauteng is like the Cape winter at the moment. Cold and overcast. :lol: Age is a bugger…

  • 56.assagai: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 19:40 pm

    @carol-52: don’t blame the messenger for the nick changes.. blame the man with the whistle

    If – or rather when WP smack the overrated guppies on Saturday.. I will just simply go about my standard business.. whats to celebrate when its pretty much a foregone conclusion as things stand anyway. Sharks getting their comeuppance this weekend, only they don’t know it yet.

  • 57.Gumboots: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 19:40 pm

    @assagai-54:

    For sure.

  • 58.Bagel: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 19:41 pm

    @assagai-54: I agree, Duvenage and Schreuder should be the future Bok halfback pairings!

  • 59.assagai: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 19:46 pm

    @Bagel-58: better than the overrated nonentities pretending to do justice to those positions now. So you agree.. you waking up out your juvenile slumber slowly sonny .

  • 60.David: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 20:03 pm

    @carol-53:
    When I checked there was one registered blogger and 7 guests, of which I was one. In fact most of the posts were you tube videos and nothing to do with “talking rugby”. :wink:

  • 61.The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 20:21 pm

    @David-60: Also checked :) And to my amusement, S_L has gone from posting Lady Gaga songs, to segments from the Rocky Horror Picture show. And we’re brokebacks?

  • 62.John1976: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 21:02 pm

    Hi wtf is going on? Can’t read any post

  • 63.John1976: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 21:11 pm

    @David 60 It is an avalance vs what the RT guys are used or alternatively it is in super slowmotion

  • 64.John1976: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 21:14 pm

    @David 60: It is an avalance vs what the RT guys are used to or alternatively it is in super slowmotion

  • 65.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 22:14 pm

    i’m going to RT…f.cuk this

  • 66.whatever: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 22:25 pm

    um……….where is the comments stream? I can’t see what k uk poppadoos has spewed today, I may have to got into detox if I can’t see his bile :)

  • 67.poppa69: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 22:30 pm

    whatever\

    you blog just to see what I post?

    wonderful

    here fishy fishy

  • 68.Bok Troop: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 23:29 pm

    ?

  • 69.Treehugger: Reply to this comment
    25 Oct 2012, 23:41 pm

    Site is broken, just a story and comment box, but no comments to read

  • 70.CoachPete: Reply to this comment
    26 Oct 2012, 06:04 am

    Sharks to win this one by 10

  • 71.trupisero: Reply to this comment
    26 Oct 2012, 06:38 am

    Eishhh…

    Lines of coke, lines of text, the dwarf makes them all dissapear

  • 72.i_love_u_bakkiesbotha: Reply to this comment
    26 Oct 2012, 07:22 am

    post it?

  • 73.i_love_u_bakkiesbotha: Reply to this comment
    26 Oct 2012, 07:24 am

    testing
    patrick lambie will never be remembered as a great bok
    testing

Keo.co.za has always promoted uncensored views, but has never tolerated racist or crass outbursts. Come on guys and girls. If you can't moderate yourselves or each other then I am going to be forced to regulate the posts and enforce a registration process for comments. The choice is yours.

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