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Sharks go to 'war' in pink

Christo Buchner

Johannesburg – The Sharks may be eight points ahead of their nearest challenger on the Currie Cup log, but are not even thinking about a home semifinal.

“Our focus is simply on the next game,” said Hugh Reece-Edwards, the most experienced fullback in the history of Natal rugby and one of the assistant coaches.

“We’re not bothering working out how many points should be enough for a home semifinal or anything like that. If you start planning ahead, it can come back to bite you. The match against the Cheetahs on Saturday is demanding all our attention and that is all we’re focusing on.”

It is quite ironic that spectators are being requested to wear pink at a game that Reece-Edwards likens to “war”.

The Sharks are playing in a special jersey, with the white in the traditional jersey set to be replaced by pink.

With all the drama regarding Lionel Mapoe behind the scenes, there is no love lost between the sides.

The Sharks are also due to have the services of one of their biggest stars available for the game.

Loose forward Keegan Daniel, who is equally at home at flank and No 8, has recovered from the injury that kept him out of the match against the Pumas and he will be considered for the 22-man squad.

The Sharks have four excellent loose forwards in Daniel, Ryan Kankowski, Willem Alberts and Jacques Botes.

“It will be a big game for both teams. We could only clinch the last match against them in Bloemfontein in the last 10 minutes,” said Daniel.

“We’ll have to up our intensity and be very accurate in what we do. It’s another step that we have to take if we want to win the Currie Cup. We have previously seen that it means nothing to finish at the top of the log.

“The season is only a success when you sit with the trophy in the dressing room after the final.

“The players all understand what the coaches want from us and how the balance in the team works. That shows in our performances.”
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