Warren Whiteley believes the Sharks are beginning to deliver on their ambition to become faster, fitter and more physically imposing, but the forwards coach knows their next United Rugby Championship assignment against Cardiff will demand precision as much as power.
The Durban side travel to Wales on Friday night buoyed by a hard-earned 40-33 victory over Lyon in the Challenge Cup, a result Whiteley believes demonstrated the resilience they are trying to build into their performances.
The Sharks overturned a fluctuating contest in France, with the hosts drawing level in the closing seconds before the visitors found a way to secure victory. Whiteley identified their defensive speed and tenacity as encouraging signs of progress.
“One was being faster and quicker and more conditioned than we’ve ever been before, and I think we’ve already seen some unbelievable positives in that area,” he said.
“The other one was physical. We know that rugby’s a physical game, so in each and every area of the game, we want to be the most physical.”
The third objective is to become relentless, an attribute Whiteley believes stems from trust within the squad.
“What’s pleasing for us is we’re starting to see that, and a lot of that comes from caring for each other, believing in each other,” he said. “We just want to keep building on that, keep growing together, connecting with each other.”
Cardiff, however, present a different challenge. Whiteley expects the battle at the lineout and the tactical kicking exchanges to play a decisive role against a side coached by South African Corniel van Zyl, a former lock who understands the Sharks well.
“They’re a quality team and we know Corniel has a lot of experience when it comes to the set piece and especially lineout,” Whiteley said. “They are also a very smart team tactically. Lineouts will be a huge battle, as is the kicking game from both teams.”
The Sharks have also been dealing with the emotional impact of Hyron Andrews’ death. Whiteley, who played against and coached the former Sharks lock, described him as “just an amazing guy” who made a significant contribution to the Durban union.
Victory in Lyon offered a measure of comfort, but Cardiff will test whether the Sharks can turn their growing physicality and collective resolve into sustained performances on tour.
