Christo Buchner

Durban – As someone that grew up in Swellendam and took his first meaningful rugby steps in the Boland, Stefan Terblanche has a soft spot for the so-called minnows of South African rugby.

“I enjoy playing in places like Witbank and Rustenburg. For me it’s a special experience to play in the countryside,” said the Sharks captain, who will be playing fullback in Friday night’s Currie Cup match against the Pumas in Witbank.

He also realises the dangers of these kind of matches. After all, the Sharks were beaten by the Pumas in Witbank in 2004.

The Lions and Blue Bulls will be able to tell the Sharks from recent experiences that you don’t just pitch and collect five points against the Pumas.

The Sharks are still licking their wounds after coming unstuck in Pretoria, while the Pumas are very confident after consecutive victories.

The home team is playing well according to a pattern that has yielded success.

Sharks assistant coach Huge Reece-Edwards admitted that too much possession was kicked away against the Bulls.

That is why the visitors will probably try to hold onto possession longer on Friday night.