Hollywoodbets Sharks tighthead Vincent Koch says the side are rejuvenated and rearing to go in their all-important URC clash with the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.
In the only match of the weekend, the Durbanites and Joburgers resume their respective campaigns after a three week break in a game that could have a massive bearing on the playoffs after the Pride dramatically won the January encounter between the sides on the east coast 23-22 thanks to Haashim Pead’s last-gasp try.
In one of the matches of the season, Cash van Rooyen’s boys had shot out to a 15-0 lead inside the opening 10-minutes before a valiant fightback from the hosts saw them head into the break trailing by just 17-18 after Lions skipper Francke Horn had received his marching orders.
Former Lions flyer Edwill van der Merwe’s third quarter try appeared to set the Sharks up for victory, but with time running out Pead managed to snipe his way over from close-range after the 80-minute mark to seal a thrilling win for his side.
Despite that result, the Durban franchise has been picking up a proper head of steam under JP Pietersen and head into the weekend placed ninth, level on 24-points with the 10th-placed Lions but having picked up a superior points difference thus far.
Said Koch on Tuesday: “We’re just playing for each other. When Coach JP came in, he explained to us what the jersey meant, and to play for each other. I think we’re starting to build a nice culture at the Sharks as well.
“If we’re closer off the field, you’ll fight harder on the field. At the moment you can clearly see the boys are fighting, we’re chasing lost causes. You can see the love for each other.
“You can clearly see the enjoyment and the freedom the boys are playing with, playing without fear, there’s no pressure on the players. I think when Coach JP stepped in he took all of the pressure from us, and just allowed us to play with freedom.”
After having taken some much-needed time off to recover, the Sharks will remain in Gauteng after this weekend to tackle the Bulls before enjoying another three week-long break.
“Towards the end of last week we got together again and refocused. Obviously the boys had some good family time away from rugby to clear their minds, the last block [of fixtures] was quite a big one for us as well.
“When we came back on Thursday, JP and the whole coaching team set everything out for us; what our next goals are.
“We’re just focused on doing things better. Against the Stormers there were glimpses of us being really good, but also some work-ons.”
The double World Cup-winner was referencing the Sharks’ superb back-to-back victories over the Capetonians before the break that has teed them up for a chance to defend their South African Shield title at Emirates Arline Park on Saturday.
Yet despite the potential significance of this upcoming matchup, Koch says the team have gone about business as usual.
“We haven’t even spoken about it to be honest. Of course we look at the reality and we know where we are on the log and that our goal is to get into the top eight, so for us these two games are massively important to climb the log.
“If we can get two good outcomes these next two weeks, then we’ll be in a better spot than we are at the moment.”
The 35-year-old reckons both teams will be well rested and up for the challenge.
“From a player’s perspective, like I said we had quite a large block before this game, I think it was four or five games which we played every weekend in and out. Mentally the players needed a break.
“The two wins over the Stormers were unbelievable, a team effort and showed the growth of the Sharks. But then again you need to be fresh as well. Those games were physical, they mentally drained us.
“The reality is they [the Lions] beat us at home. I know the last three results haven’t gone their way, but they’re still confident. They’re a good franchise, they’ve got good coaches, good players, so I think the thing is they also just needed that reset, same as us, to focus on the next games.”
