It’s a real call to action for the Hollywoodbets Sharks who take on Ireland’s Connacht in Galway this evening, looking to advance to the quarter-finals of the EPCR Challenge Cup in this Round of 16 knock-out match.
Speaking from the team’s base, head coach JP Pietersen spoke about his selection for this match given a 20 man injury list and the positive and timely boost the return of Springbok Eben Etzebeth brings,
“Eben is back, it’s awesome to have him, but we have a few injuries and a lot of guys have niggles, or can’t train with contact, so that’s why most of the changes came.
“With the backs, there’s no-one left, we’re a bit under the pump but I’ve brought my boots, just in case,” he said tongue firmly in cheek.
Despite that the matchday 23 reflects the esteem the competition is held in and the competitiveness they bring to this match.
“This is probably our best group we have put together, it’s a full fit team and there’s no disrespect to the competition; we’ve come here to win.”
Having Etzebeth back is a massive boost to the side, his return is timely given the injury situation in the squad.
“Eben has been training with the squad for two months, he’s highly-experienced, he’ll probably go down as one of the greatest Springbok players, as professional as he is, and he’s slotted right back in.
“He’s led well, helped where he could and that’s why he’s so great. He has a standard that he holds everyone accountable to and you can see the level in the group rise to that standard.
“We as coaching staff are excited for him to be back, although there’s no pressure on him to shoot the lights out.
“But being as competitive as he is, he’ll showcase what he can bring with his physicality and having him back and having his presence in the team means a lot to the group.”
Pietersen has the utmost respect for Connacht and warns of the size of the challenge.
“They’re a good side with a strong attack, so they’ll definitely put us under pressure,” he explains. “From our side, it’s about being disciplined in our defence and our system without giving penalties away.
“They also have a good pack who, when they get into your 22, can maul successfully.
“So it’s going to be a good challenge.”
And playing in Galway?
“It looks like it’s going to be windy and with that, there’s a big emphasis on the territory game. That and the set-piece, those are the two key areas of the game.
“We’ve been here a couple of times and we haven’t had a result. The weather is a big factor, especially the wind and it looks like it will be windy, so it’ll come down to a kicking game and territory.
“We back ourselves at scrum and lineout time, so it should be a great contest.”