Sharks face 'massive challenge'

Cape Town - Sharks director of rugby Gary Gold knows his team’s defence will be firmly tested when they host the Hurricanes in a Super Rugby clash in Durban on Saturday.

The Sharks have scored the second fewest tries in the competition so far this season (17) - behind the Force (11) - but they have also conceded the fewest tries (15).

This weekend though they face a team brimming win confidence after scoring seven tries in a 50-17 annihilation of the Lions in Johannesburg.

“We have a massive challenge coming up this weekend against a star-studded Hurricanes team, who have just come off a resounding victory against the Lions,” said Gold. 

“This team is lethal with ball in hand and we have a huge amount of respect for them. They will pose a similar challenge to the other three New Zealand teams that we faced on tour, and that too with added confidence after their great victory, makes them even more formidable.”

After a three game tour to New Zealand, where they won one match and lost two, Gold said it was nice to be back at Kings Park.

“It’s fantastic to be back home and to play in front of our home crowd. This is the fourth New Zealand team we are playing in succession and we are excited about the challenge that lies ahead. We want to build on our courageous performance against the Chiefs last Friday, and our focus is on being accurate and utilising our opportunities.”

Saturday’s clash is scheduled for 15:00.

Teams:

Sharks

15 Willie le Roux, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Paul Jordaan, 12, Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, Garth April, 9 Michael Claassen, 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Keegan Daniel, 5 Stephen Lewies, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Franco Marais, 1 Tendai Mtawarira (captain)

Substitutes: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Dale Chadwick, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Jean Deysel, 21 Stefan Ungerer, 22 Pat Lambie, 23 Odwa Ndungane

Hurricanes

15 James Marshall, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Vince Aso, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Brad Shields, 5 Michael Fatialofa, 4 Vaea Fifita, 3 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 2 Dane Coles (captain), 1 Reg Goodes

Substitutes: 16 Motu Matu'u, 17 Chris Eves, 18 Ben May, 19 Mark Abbott, 20 Blade Thomson, 21 Jamison Gibson-Park, 22 Ngani Laumape, 23 Jason Woodward