The Hollywoodbets Sharks and Vodacom Bulls go toe-to-toe in a vital Vodacom United Rugby Championship pool clash at Loftus in Pretoria later today, both sides eager to climb up the ladder, while the final placings on the SA Shield also add spice to this derby match.
Head coach JP Pietersen confirmed that the selection changes made for this week were always part of the plan for this match as he juggles available players with the team’s needs.
“Andre [Esterhuizen] was always going to play this weekend, he is our captain, and Ox [Nche] is available too. Then with rotation in the squad, Vincent Koch and Eduan Swart start as well,: he explained.
The coach confirmed that Aphelele Fassi sustained an injury against the Lions last week, while Siya Kolisi, Grant Williams and Ethan Hooker are all still on Springbok resting protocols.
“Fassi injured his shoulder, saw the surgeon this week and we’re waiting to hear if he needs surgery or rehab, but he will probably be out for a minimum of six weeks, depending on what needs to be done with the shoulder.”
Looking back at the Lions game, with the Vodacom Bulls game in mind as well and lessons learned, he admitted that, “We made 21 or 22 unforced errors and turnovers, and obviously we didn’t win the territory battle. With that and making knock-ons and turnovers, especially in our 22, we didn’t get territory.
“When we did have territory and possession, we didn’t convert that into points, we never built pressure, so this week is about executing at that stage.
“But we finished the game stronger and we’ll be looking for more of that in today’s game.
“We showed good courage and played some nice rugby in that final quarter with three line-breaks that could have resulted in scores, but we just couldn’t convert those opportunities.”
The Hollywoodbets Sharks have the opportunity to win the SA Shield this weekend, but for Pietersen, that’s almost secondary to the immediate challenge.
“Winning the game is important, we’re 10th on the log and every game is important for us. Last week’s game was disappointing not winning or getting any points and we want to get into the top 8.
“So it’s a good challenge for us up at Loftus to get points and if we can get a win, that would be great for us.
“We believe 100% in what we can do. Loftus isn’t an easy place to go to, the Vodacom Bulls are playing good rugby.”