Hollywoodbets Sharks wing Edwill van der Merwe admits that his team’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash with the Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday is huge in the context of the fight for a top eight finish.
“As a team, we’re all disappointed with the result of the game against the Lions and the performance we put out, we know that doesn’t meet our standards, so this week’s preparations have focused collectively on fixing it.
“But the week’s prep has been good and we’re looking to rectify it on the weekend.”
Derbies are huge matches and they don’t get much bigger than when the Hollywoodbets Sharks and Vodacom Bulls meet. Not only is it personal, but also professional in terms of the fight for the knock-outs.
“The race for the top eight is on, so every game is crucial,” van der Merwe explains.
“But more so the South African derbies, particularly this week. The Vodacom Bulls are an incredible side, especially at home where they have their fans behind them, so we expect a very physical challenge from them and for them to be fired up.
“We know we have to be at our absolute best on Saturday so we can deliver.”
While the rivalry is most notable at a team level, he does have opponents that are also vying for Springbok jerseys which adds to the competition, although this is secondary to what he wants to bring to this game.
“My focus is not to outshine them, all I am focused on is what the team requires of me so I look to express myself within the framework of the team and the rest will take care of itself.”
For a second consecutive week, the Hollywoodbets Sharks play their VURC matches on the highveld and the aerial battle will once again be keenly contested, something he expects with conviction.
“The aerial contest is something I’ve worked hard on, I wasn’t as sharp as I would like against the Lions and it’s something we as a team rely heavily on, so for me personally, I want to be better in that space. There are Springbok wings on both sides, so I know I need to bring my A-game on the weekend.”
A full set of fixtures lies ahead this weekend while the race for the eight continues unabated with a third of the pool stages remaining before the play-offs.
This is a match the Hollywoodbets Sharks are only too aware that holds their future of this season’s tournament, along with the S.A. Shield.