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Durban - Sharks prop Coenie Oosthuizen believes Saturday's last-minute win over the Brumbies has given everyone in the squad a new-found sense of belief.
The Sharks had lost 28-26 to the Reds in Brisbane in week one but then, thanks to a try from Lukhanyo Am after the hooter, they secured a valuable 27-22 win over the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.
It is a result that some critics are saying could define the Sharks' season given that they now play their next six matches in South Africa.
"From the perspective of going into a game where we trained so hard and worked so hard to get the result, and not getting it against the Reds, knowing that we left so much on the field, then getting the win against the Brumbies was something really special," prop Coenie Oosthuizen told the Sharks website.
"Every guy out there truly felt it. The win really generated a lot of belief.
"Going into the game against the Waratahs (this Saturday), we need to build on that momentum because Super Rugby is a long tournament and it’s a huge competition. We need every player to be at his best, not only physically, but also mentally."
Oosthuizen lauded captain Pat Lambie for the role he played in the dying stages of the Brumbies match.
"We have an experienced captain, one of the best in my mind, and when he makes a decision, we back it 100%," Oosthuizen explains.
"One of his strongest attributes is that he is clear headed and very calm. He truly knows what to do at the right time of the game, he’s something really special. He gives everything every game and we support him."
Oosthuizen is expecting a backlash from the Waratahs after their loss to the Lions this past weekend.
“Super Rugby is an unbelievable competition and rugby is an amazing game. You can be on top one weekend and hit rock bottom the next," he said.
"But there is always another weekend, and they have that this weekend, an opportunity to correct their mistakes. And we, as a team, see that as a challenge.
"We know what to expect. The Waratahs weren’t up to their own standards, they are one of the best teams in Australia and we know that. We are ready for the challenge, we know they will come out fighting, they will give it their all."
Saturday's match kicks off at 19:30.
