Sharks captain Keegan Daniel has highlighted the Lions’ hunger – driven by a desire to capture a trophy after 12 lean years – as a key factor that the Sharks will need to overcome in order to secure the Currie Cup when the two sides play in Johannesburg on Saturday.
It’s somewhat ironic that the Sharks themselves were in a similar position back in 2008, having not won any silverware since capturing the Currie Cup (at Ellis Park) back in 1996. “We know what it was like to play in a final not having won it for so long, the hunger that we had that day,” Daniel tells SAPA. “They’re going to bring that same thing, I’m sure. So for us it’s about being physical and fronting up on the day no matter what personnel that you have.”
In short, while it may be the Sharks who have the big names on paper, that experience alone isn’t going to be enough to clinch the title. “You can’t live on reputation, it’s not going to get you anywhere,” Daniel confirmed. Words that will be music to the ears of Sharks fans, but words that need to be backed up when the Sharks side tackes the field on Saturday afternoon.
The Sharks team departs for Sun City today, where they will base themselves ahead of Saturday’s final. Moving up to Rustenburg to acclimatise at altitude, as well as getting away from the Durban pressure cooker to spend some time together as a team worked well earlier in the year, with the Sharks going on to record a famous victory at Loftus to advance to the Super Rugby knockouts. Coach John Plumtree will be looking to recapture some of that atmosphere ahead of the final.
Wish I had tickets!
Come on Sharks put your words into action.
Off too Sin City …
Drinks on the house for all you Sharkies ..drink be merry
@CSB Win it for Jannie Breedt ! (Comment 3) :
‘In short, while it may be the Sharks who have the big names on paper, that experience alone isn’t going to be enough to clinch the title’
i wish the Boks could have the same attitude …
The Lions are playing good “New Zealand” rugby…by that I mean they do the basics well which should be a non-negotiable in professional teams. They take pride in their defense and then will attack teams from anywhere. They dont play a forwards game or a running game, they just attack where the opportunity is whether that be in the forwards or the backs. If the Lions pitch up in the right mindset it will take a big effort from the Sharks as they have in recent weeks seemed to lack focus.
Does anyone know if there’s going to be a big-screen event at Kings Park for the final?
It would be very bad if the Captain would come out and say they don’t think the opposition will be a challenge.
@Letgo (Comment 8) :
@Letgo (Comment 8) : Yeah what else is he gonna say?
” Well we know we`ve got this so yeah we`re just going through the motions this week and looking forward to a nice long break starting next week! ”
Aren’t they at Royal Marang again? It’s close to Sun City but part of the Royal Bafokeng Sports Campus.
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 11) : dunno
@Original Pierre (Comment 10) : @Letgo (Comment 8) : it’s all just mind games and cliched quotes at the moment, isn’t it?
Just remember guys..jannie dup has never lost a final!!!!
I’m a bid nervous.. Not for what the result will be but just to think after this game there’s no rugga until next year..
@Franshark (Comment 15) : For 3 whole months
But then again, ‘we’ need a break as well
@JarsonX (Comment 16) : yes u right… The wifes too
@Franshark (Comment 15) : Going to enjoy Football and cricket while there is no Rugby on! Man I just love Sport!
@Ben (Comment 18) : I’m with you with the cricket not so much the football..
@Ben (Comment 18) : are u on a SB group for SA domestic cricket