Sharks look to up the ante for Bulls
Powerful prop Juan Schoeman says the Durbanites have refocused and looks set to play his part in the new rotation system.
Juan Schoeman. Photo: Gallo Images.
The Sharks pack have refocused after they were on the back foot against the Stormers last weekend and they are ready to take on the abrasive Bulls in their Super Rugby derby at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, says loosehead prop Juan Schoeman.
The Sharks went down 11-16 to the Stormers in Durban, showing none of the intensity, nor go-forward that the Bulls produced to impressive effect in upsetting the Lions at Ellis Park that day.
But Schoeman says the KwaZulu-Natalians are confident they will have rectified that for this weekend’s crunch encounter in Pretoria.
“We definitely weren’t happy with that performance as a forward pack and we’re really looking to up the ante this weekend, especially in the set-pieces, but in the loose phases and at the breakdowns as well.
“We know it’s going to be a good, tough battle against a physical Bulls pack, but we look forward to it and we’re ready.
“We saw what we need to fix from the Stormers game – they had the upper hand and if you lose at the start in the scrums then it’s going to be a long day – even though we did have some good ones later in the game.
“We just have to tweak small details and play as a pack, and we have to do it from the first scrum,” Schoeman said.
The 27-year-old, who was born in Pretoria and signed by the Sharks from the Blue Bulls in 2015, said the Gautengers have been inspired by Springbok veterans Schalk Brits and Duane Vermeulen and their confidence will also have been given a massive boost by their superb win over the Lions.
“Schalk and Duane bring a lot of experience and the other players can only learn a huge amount from them. They will also have helped the coaches.
“You can never underestimate the Bulls and … you could see in their set-pieces and defence they have really improved as a pack.
“It’s always a very physical game against the Bulls.
“They have improved their kicking game and are flexible on attack and defence. They have great speed on defence.
“But Saturday is a new opportunity for us and we are always up for it as a pack.
“It’s time for battle again,” former SA U20 cap Schoeman said.
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