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Durban - Sharks scrumhalf Charl McLeod has said that the team needed to be more physical in the second half of their Currie Cup campaign.
"During the first half of last week's game we got dominated a bit, but we fought back nicely in the second half," McLeod said in Durban on Tuesday.
"We also need to work on our starts."
The Durban franchise were currently second on the competition standings with three wins and two losses, including a 25-19 defeat against Western Province in Cape Town last weekend.
Springbok number nine McLeod admitted they could not afford another poor start against the men from Kimberley on Saturday.
"We can’t afford to start badly, especially at home, when the opposition can get their tails up early, so a good start is hugely important," he said.
"We will also need to front up.
"They’ve got a big pack and we’ll just have to match them in that department."
Despite starting on the bench in the last two games, as part of a rotation policy implemented by the new coaching staff at the union, McLeod was content with his role.
"The players are very happy.
"Everyone of us knows where we stand with the coaches, so it’s not a problem for us."
The Sharks, on 15 points, were lying a point behind the leaders, Western Province, with the Golden Lions third on 14 points.
"Being one point behind in second position is not too bad.
"We’ve got another five games to keep on improving and keep on growing.
"We’ll try and win every game and then we’ll hopefully be in a good position, come the play-offs."
Meanwhile, young lock Pieter-Steph du Toit was fit again after a long-standing muscle injury.
However, veteran second rower Marco Wentzel (dislocated shoulder) is out of the weekend game, along with Odwa Ndungane (groin).
