Share

Sharks expect 'unforgiving' clash against Stormers

Cape Town - It may only be a pre-season warm-up match, but Sharks coach Sean Everitt says there are no 'friendlies' in rugby as he prepares for Sunday's clash against the Stormers at FNB Stadium.

Register your interest for the British & Irish Lions tickets in South Africa 2021

In what is their final preparations for the 2020 Super Rugby seasons, both sides will be looking at this as an opportunity to get some much-needed game time under the belts for some key players. 

Stormers coach John Dobson has already confirmed that he will field most of his returning Springboks in the match, while Everitt also expected Sunday's clash to be high in quality and intensity. 

"There are no 'friendly' games in rugby, just no log points," he told media in Durban.

"The intensity is something that we've worked on. We want a high work rate and a lot of energy, and that's what we want the crowds to judge us on.

"I think it will be an unforgiving game."

Everitt, like Dobson, has had to manage integrating his returning Springboks into the set-up during pre-season. 

"The Springboks returned to training late in December and they haven't done any contact work," he said.

"We've kept them out of that due to their work loads earlier in 2019. We've eased them back in. 

"We've been working hard with them over the last couple of weeks, so they should be game ready.

"The players that you will see on Sunday are the players that will be taking part in Super Rugby 2020, so it's a big day for everyone."

Everitt also confirmed that Marius Louw would be back in his more familiar position of centre having enjoyed a run at openside flank against Russia this past weekend. 

"We gave Marius Louw a run at openside flank, and that was my idea," said Everitt.

"I've known Marius from school days and he was the SA Schools openside flanker.

"He came to the Sharks as an openside flanker and over the years we probably haven't selected out and out fetchers, probably since Marcell Coetzee left.

"Marius, with his experience as an openside flanker, we thought he could add a different dynamic and he actually played very well, but this week he'll be running out at centre."

Sunday's clash kicks off at 13:00 and will be followed by the Bulls v Lions at 15:15. 

- Compiled by Lloyd Burnard

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% - 1116 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1281 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 1975 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