SPOTLIGHT: There’s an old saying that says “failing to prepare is preparing for failure,” and for the Sharks, that is not an option when they face the Stormers in Round 10 of the United Rugby Championship this weekend.
The Sharks boast some of the most impressive forwards in the entire URC, featuring Springboks such as Eben Etzebeth, Jason Jenkins, Ox Nche, Phepsi Buthelezi, Siya Kolisi, Trevor Nyakane, Vincent Tshituka and Bongi Mbonambi.
Whilst not everyone might be available, they still pose a massive threat upfront against any team.
They will head to Cape Town with a plan to stop one of the Stormers’ most lethal strike weapons this season: the line-out maul.
The Stormers used the line-out maul to good effect this season, snatching and sealing victories as we’ve seen against the Bulls in Round Nine when Ntuthuko Mchunu dotted down for the decisive score.
Hooker Mbonambi said the Sharks are wary of the threat the Stormers’ maul poses, but they are doing their homework to nullify it and get their own going against the log leaders.
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“The whole of South Africa knows how good the Stormers are mauling at the moment. It’s not just this season; they’ve done it in past seasons as well.
“We know it’s a big weapon for them, but for us [Sharks], we just need to ensure we get our detail right in the system that we have.
“We have to ensure everyone does their homework, watches the video clips and maybe we’ll see an opportunity on how to stop it.
“We definitely know they have a weapon in their maul, but we also have a mauling weapon we strongly believe in.
“But it will come down to the game and who wants it more. It will be a physical, good old South African derby between two quality sides.”
