Share

Sharks relish Saders challenge

Christo Buchner

Johannesburg - "No matter how much we love the women in our lives, we are delighted not to be at home this week."

Sharks captain and centre Stefan Terblanche says that he and his players don't want to be anywhere else than New Zealand this week in an effort to stop the Crusaders' march to the Super Rugby title.

"The match against the Bulls could easily have been our last and then we would have been on holiday this week," said Terblanche, who was one of the best players in the 26-23 win over the Bulls.

"Even if we'd like to spend time with our wives and children, we are very happy that we are still involved in rugby this week and are still "breathing" in the Super Rugby tournament."

He said the Test atmosphere at Loftus Versfeld had contributed to getting the best out of the players.

"There was an incredible atmosphere and it was a wonderful place at which to play such an important game. There are people who believe that rugby is losing its lustre, but anyone who was at Loftus will tell you the opposite.

"It was a great advertisement for the game and a privilege to be able to play in such as game. Both teams turned it into a showpiece. To be able to have won at a packed Loftus is something I will always remember," added Terblanche, who scored the first of the Sharks' two tries.

"Nobody could doubt our commitment to winning the game. We knew that we would have to fight fire with fire, and possibly have to do even more than that.

"Every player was willing to put his body on the line from the outset. We have now set a high standard and showed that it can be done. We will need more of that against the Crusaders on Saturday."

Patrick Lambie, who produced a man-of-the-match performance at fullback, was also impressed with the special atmosphere - even if a laser was being shone into his eyes when he kicked for goal.

"I'm not blaming it for the (three) kicks that I missed, but I have to say that I was aware of it and that it bothered me," he said.

His performance at fullback was so good that Springbok coach Peter de Villiers could now consider him for South Africa's No 15 jersey.
 
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE