Every year we find ourselves wondering if this will finally be the year that the Sharks XV manages to “kick on” and “go all the way” in the Vodacom Cup. 2013 is no different, of course, and with a squad that showcases the awesome depth available within the region, I think we as fans are within our rights to expect a credible performance from the side this year, if not the Vodacom Cup trophy itself.
I think that the Vodacom Cup is a pretty underrated competition in many ways and that from a Sharks pint of view – or rather, from the perspective of those players lucky enough to represent the Sharks XV in the competition -participation in the tournament presents a huge opportunity. I think that in the past, we’ve too often had too many payers who see the Sharks XV as a kind of demotion, a place to keep match fit when in reality the heart and mind is with the Super Rugby side. For the Sharks XV to win the Vodacom Cup, that mindset has to change.
Putting myself in the shoes of John Plumtree and the other Sharks coaches, I would demand superb Vodacom Cup form as a prerequisite from any player hoping to take the step up and be included in the Super Rugby 22. That measure shouldn’t apply to just young players, but also to veterans who might think that they have already proved all they need to prove. Let’s face it, it’s generally considered that the standard of competition in the Vodacom Cup isn’t that high… it follows, then, that a potential Super rugby player, a guy who deserves to be playing at the higher level, really should stand out like a sore thumb in the Vodacom Cup. This is what happened to Marcell Coetzee; he got his break in Super Rugby on the back of sustained excellence for the Sharks XV.
So my challenge is really to every single one of the guys pulling on the white jersey this afternoon – and at any point during the season going forward. Prove that you belong in Super Rugby by delivering the sort of performance that shows you don’t belong in the Vodacom Cup. If every man, from 1 through 22, approaches every Vodacom Cup game as if it’s his one and only opportunity to prove that he has a future with the Sharks, then I don’t see how we can fail to win the trophy.
Good luck boys. The pain starts at 16h00 today, against Border.
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A bit silly that the Kings XV travel to KP while the Sharks SR team travel to PE. Surely they could have arranged somehow that both games get played in PE?
@Pokkel (Comment 1) : Border plays in East London, or am I wrong?
@Original Pierre (Comment 2) : no, you’re not wrong. Pokkel has his wires crossed
@Original Pierre (Comment 2) : @robdylan (Comment 3) :
I could have sworn I read somewhere that they are playing the Kings tomorrow?
I suppose it’s time to start drinking then….brain obviously need a break?
@Pokkel (Comment 4) : when is it ever time to not start drinking?
@robdylan (Comment 5) : good point!
Well, I’m off to the bottle store. Here’s drinking to 5 log points for the Sharks! 😀
The fight for the VC should be between the Sharks, Bulls and Griquas
@Baylion (Comment 8) : Pampas, they have been pretty strong thus far?
@Pokkel (Comment 4) : long week Pokkel? Sharks XV play Border XV (they’re from East London) tonight in Durban and then tommorow Super Sharks play Kings in PE. 😉
@JD (Comment 10) : much better after a couple of beers, couple of glasses of wine and now onto the whiskies! 😉