JOHANNESBURG - Much of that sentiment stems from an ultimately fruitful Super Rugby campaign, primarily because of the perception that there has been a semblance of continuity in playing personnel – which is a reasonable assertion despite the absence of many stars. Tonight they face the Lions at home, who are still smarting from their expulsion from Super Rugby for next year.
 
However, if anything, the new Currie Cup format and timeframe has levelled the playing field considerably because of the protracted nonappearance of the national players. And here’s the bit of good news for Johannesburg’s pride – when it comes to the hallowed old domestic tournament, previous results suggest they have the measure of their hosts.
 
Of their last four Currie Cup meetings, the Lions have won three of them, including last year’s final, and can probably even take confidence from the fact that they were the last side to beat the Sharks in this year’s Super Rugby round-robin before the Durbanites went on their spree towards the showpiece final.
 
More importantly, Johan Ackermann’s charges have started their current campaign well.
 
“It was just a case of writing off our Super Rugby campaign and focusing intently on the Currie Cup,” said captain JC Janse van Rensburg.
 
“I think we’ve realised that despite all our challenges, we’re still defending champions and want to put our bodies on the line. Last week’s win over the Cheetahs gave us a huge injection of confidence.”
 
Indeed, a premium on challenging in the collisions paid off handsomely last week, particularly in defence and allied to the Lions’ generally slick front-foot play, made them an obviously more rounded-looking outfit.
 
“We’ve seen this year that many games are won through committed marking,” noted Ackermann.
 
“We always aim to be on the front foot with incisive attacking play but it’s good to see that the guys realised last week how important defending is while you’re in front. The guys worked hard for each other and I hope we replicate that attitude.”
 
The hosts, who launched a fierce comeback at Newlands last week, come into this game with reinforcements that render their overall look fairly imposing.
 
Despite a poor first half during the 25-23 win, they showed decent tactical acuity that proved decisive.
 
It’s unsurprising then that mentor John Plumtree chose not to over-analyse the requirements of gaining a vital home triumph.
 
“The Lions are a quality side and we needed to do our homework to beat them, especially at home,” he said. “They will be a real handful so whatever we do against them, either with the ball or without, we will need to be very accurate.”
 
Accuracy though has been a hallmark of the Sharks’ form over the past few weeks.
 
It should render them favourites.