Understrength Sharks out to do ‘something special’ in Galway

The Sharks are hoping to overcome a tough Connacht side despite missing several Springboks in their Challenge Cup last 16 match in Galway on Friday (kick-off 9pm).

While Bok lock Eben Etzebeth returns from his 12-match ban for an eye gouge against Wales last year, the Durban union have sent an understrength side to Ireland without the services of André Esterhuizen, Siya Kolisi, Grant Williams, Bongi Mbonambi and other frontline players, who are all injured.

It smacks of a repeat of last year, when the Sharks dropped out of the Champions Cup into the second-tier Challenge Cup and fielded a second-string side in their round of 16 match against Lyon, where they lost poorly in France.

The difference was that, on that occasion, about a dozen Springbok players were fit and available but not selected.

‘Squad effort’

Nick Hatton, 23, now captains another team comprised of mostly fringe and young players entrusted to earn redemption after a mediocre Champions Cup campaign.

They come up against an Irish side on a five-game winning streak at a venue where the Sharks have never triumphed.

“It is always a tough game against Connacht, but we are up for the challenge,” the ever-optimistic Hatton said on Wednesday.

“We’ve had a good few days of prep in Durban and the boys are raring to go. We know it will take a squad effort, as these two tournaments [EPCR and URC] demand a squad effort from both fronts.

“We will be giving everything to get the result in our favour.”

The contest follows the Sharks’ 21-15 United Rugby Championship win over Cardiff at Kings Park last week.

While the Sharks dominated set pieces, both teams committed errors in attack that cost them in the second half, and Cardiff’s penalty kick was the only score in those 40 minutes.

Coach JP Pietersen blamed humid conditions for handling errors but praised his team’s defence.

Injuries to fullbacks Aphelele Fassi, Jaco Williams and Luan Giliomee meant Pietersen would call on his reserves for upcoming games.

“The backs are falling. It has me thinking maybe I must put my boots back on to maybe give us a boost,” the former Springbok joked.

Hoping to cause an upset

Pietersen’s attention after the Cardiff win was on the upcoming URC matches against Ospreys and Edinburgh, and now it can be seen why, as the Sharks commit their best for the race for that tournament’s top eight.

Still, Hatton said the Sharks were confident of an upset in Galway.

“It’s knockout rugby so we know we need to win to progress. I think we are really excited for the opportunity.

“We know it’s not an easy place to go play, but we believe in our systems and believe we have a good chance of doing something special there.”