Experienced Cheetahs center Frans Steyn is in good shape for the Bloemfontein-based team and will be a major threat for the Sharks on Friday Image: Getty Images
The Cheetahs are famous for the extended and running rugby they can bring, but Sharks coach Sean Everitt has warned the Free Staters also have advanced industrial-strength power his team will need to fight. in their Super Rugby Unlocked match at Kings Park on Friday night
Playing at a high pace is something the Sharks are comfortable with, but matching big, powerful packs in set pieces and crashes has been something they have struggled with at times this year, and the Cheetahs will surely aim to use physicality as a weapon on Friday night
« I think cheetahs are going to pose the same challenge up front that pumas and bulls did. They have a lot of synergy in their alignment and melee, so that’s an obvious threat then », said Everitt
« Also, with Frans Steyn at 12, it gives them a different dimension in terms of kicking, carrying and running away. We’re going to have to keep them out with a really aggressive defense
« The Cheetahs like to mault a lot too, from all areas of the pitch, but luckily JJ van der Mescht has been exceptional for us in this department against the Pumas – he practically stopped three mauls on his own. But I think the break will have motivated the Cheetahs, they will not be happy to get two points against the Lions and they will be eager to go after this abandoned game and a bye «
Although they dominated Super Rugby competition earlier this year, the Sharks have taken small steps since returning to play Everitt has been patient in not prematurely throwing his toys out of the pram, but he believes his team are now settled in and have landed the platform to improve now every week. He doesn’t expect to see more signs of rusting from the Sharks
« We can’t find our marks anymore, we’ve been together for a while now Our confidence is back and we should get better every week now, » Everitt said
« I expect a high paced game and we need guys who are going to make an impact, and I’m sure our bench will bring that and give us the opportunity to change the game if necessary. healthy competition in our team
« But this competition as a whole is really strong and everyone has increased their squad since the start of the year. It is a great platform for South African rugby and each of our players knows they have the opportunity to stand out now We have settled in well now, ”said Everitt
Sharks: Manie Libbok, Yaw Penxe, Jeremy Ward, Marius Louw, Madosh Tambwe, Curwin Bosch, Sanele Nohamba, Phendulani Buthelezi, Henco Venter, Dylan Richardson, Hyron Andrews, JJ van der Mescht, John-Hubert Meyer, Dan Jooste , Ox Nche Alternates: Kerron van Vuuren, Mzamo Majola, Michael Kumbirai, Ruben van Heerden, Thembelani Bholi, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Grant Williams, Werner Kok
Cheetahs: Clayton Blommetjies, Malcolm Jaer, William Small-Smith, Francois Steyn, Rosko Specman, Tian Schoeman, Tian Meyer, Aidon Davis, Junior Pokomela (captain), Andisa Ntsila, JP du Preez, Carl Wegner, Luan de Bruin , Reinach Venter, Charles Marais Alternates: Jacques du Toit, Boan Venter, Khutha Mchunu, Oupa Mohoje, Jeandré Rudolph, Ruben de Haas, Reinhardt Fortuin, Chris Smit
Cheetahs, Super Rugby, Sharks, Bulls, François Steyn, South African National Rugby Team, Lions, Madosh Tambwe
News from around the world – FR – Frans Steyn gives cheetahs a different dimension, says Sharks coach Everitt
SOURCE: https://www.w24news.com
