The Hollywoodbets Sharks will be looking to pile more misery on Cardiff when the sides clash in the 14th round of the URC at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday.
To Win
Hollywoodbets Sharks | Draw | Cardiff
Handicap
Hollywoodbets Sharks | Cardiff
Match context
After two less than desirable results in Gauteng saw them relinquish their SA Shield title, JP Pietersen’s men got back to winning ways courtesy of a 45-0 demolition of Munster in Durban last week that would have restored an enormous amount of confidence in the side.
Despite not being at full strength, the Munster team that travelled to the east coast in round 13 was still full of quality, and the fact that they were beaten so comprehensively speaks volumes about the Sharks’ performance.
The hosts were dominant in many aspects, but it was again their scrummaging display that stood out most, with four penalties awarded to them in the first-half alone. They continue to lead the way in the competition in this department, a fact Cardiff will be well aware of – especially considering their own scrum’s poor performance against the Bulls last week.
Pietersen has made it clear that the Sharks are already looking ahead to next season and keeping the future in mind in their decision-making processes. It’s partly why, aside from injuries to the likes of Aphelele Fassi, teenager Luan Giliomee was given an opportunity to start at fullback against Munster. The success of that selection is likely to encourage the use of more youngsters yet this season, though squad balance will still need to be managed carefully given the Sharks remain in the hunt for the playoffs.
Currently lying 11th, the KwaZulu Natalians are six points off the top eight but will look to take advantage of their three remaining home games to narrow that gap in the rounds to come.
Despite scoring first, Cardiff were trounced 40-7 at Loftus Versfeld last week but managed to hold on to fifth place on the overall URC standings. That said, they could find themselves outside the top eight at the conclusion of round 14 if they are on the receiving end of another big defeat in South Africa.
Players to watch
Luan Giliomee (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
After being thrust into the starting lineup last week, Giliomee went on to produce a fine performance against Munster, the highlights being his first half try and superb execution of a 50/22. With The Weekend Special Fassi out for the remainder of the season, it’s very likely we will be seeing plenty more of the 19-year-old in the weeks ahead and it’ll be fascinating to watch his progress.
Having had his first taste of the big time, Giliomee will want to keep the momentum going by delivering another sparkling showing from the back against Cardiff, where he should be given even more opportunities to show what he can do with ball in hand.
Harri Millard (Cardiff)
His team’s sole try-scorer in the previous round, Millard was one of the few Cardiff players to produce a decent performance at Loftus and his talents will again be required in the face of this latest test on the east coast. The 29-year-old midfielder topped the turnover count with two and that skillset should come in handy if his side wish to stifle the Sharks’ momentum on the deck.
Coming up against the likes of Andre Esterhuizen, Millard’s defensive work will also need to be on point if the blue and blacks are to have any chance at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.
Tactical overview
It’s difficult seeing the Hollywoodbets Sharks move away from what worked so well for them in round 13, and their scrum and lineout should again form the cornerstone of their approach this weekend. It may be a case of out of the frying pan and into the fire for Cardiff’s front row, with a date against the best scrum in the competition definitely not what they would have wanted after their recent difficulties fronting up to the Bulls’ tight five.
Cardiff were at sixes and sevens against the Pretoria outfit defensively, and if their organisation hasn’t improved in this regard they’ll be vulnerable to another heavy defeat. The Sharks’ backline was certainly in the mood last week, with Giliomee and Makazole Mapimpi firing, and the duo will be eager to score more tries if opportunities present themselves.
While the visitors will at least not have the altitude factor to contend with, they should still struggle to compete with a powerful and motivated Sharks outfit at the Tank for the full 80.
Prediction
The Hollywoodbets Sharks to clear the handicap against Cardiff in what should be handsome win in Durban.
