Sharks sharpen teeth for URC home run

08/05/2024 15:24

The Sharks may have one eye on the upcoming Challenge Cup final in London, but won’t let that distract from making Kings Park a fortress in the remaining Vodacom URC games this season.

This was emphasised by forwards coach Warren Whiteley as the Sharks return to Vodacom URC action against Benetton in Durban on Saturday.

The clash with the Italian side, who suffered a defeat to Gloucester in the Challenge Cup semi-finals, will start a home run of three games at Kings Park for the Sharks to finish what has been a tough URC campaign.

After facing Benetton, the Sharks will host Cardiff and then travel to London for the Challenge Cup final on 24 May. They will then return to Durban for a final game of the season against the Bulls at Kings Park.

Given that the Sharks are unable to qualify for the URC playoffs, it would be reasonable to assume they are betting all their chips on the Challenge Cup final, but Whiteley said that turning Kings Park into a fortress is also in their sights.

“After the break [in March] we as a coaching staff set up some goals. Those included reaching this stage of the EPCR, racing the final, and the other goal was winning all of our home games,” Whiteley explained.

“Benetton this weekend is still something we set out to do. This game is really important for us, but also the games that are coming within the URC.

“This wasn’t decided by us as coaches or management, this was decided by the playing group as a whole. It is challenging. We are privileged to be in the final.

“We have reached that goal, but there are still goals for us that we haven’t. Those are the three remaining home games, starting this weekend against Benetton.”

Whiteley added that while going all guns blazing in four big games in a row will be tough, the Sharks want to repay their loyal fans for their support in what has been a difficult campaign.

“It is challenging now, the next four weeks or so,” the former Springbok No 8 said. “Plum [John Plumtree] and Neil [Powell] have been chatting about that and planning. Most importantly, we go back to the goal that we set out, to reach the EPCR final and win our home games.

“We have had such phenomenal support this year. You saw the people that came out to the Stoop. It was incredible.

“So we will be going full out to win those games as well. That’s why this game against Benetton this weekend is really important.”

Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images

The post Sharks sharpen teeth for URC home run appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.