A possible EPCR title win for the Sharks in London on Friday can not detract from their dismal performances within the Vodacom URC this season, writes MARK KEOHANE.
The Durbanites can have all of the motivation they should triumph within the Problem Cup ultimate in opposition to Gloucester on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, when historical past beckons as they purpose to develop into the primary South African group to win the title.
John Plumtree’s costs will draw inspiration from the truth that they’ve been superior on assault over the English outfit, with 256 factors scored with a mean of 4.7 tries per recreation, to Gloucester’s 192 (common 2.6 tries per recreation).
Led by Springbok speedster Makazole Mapimpi, whose 5 tries this season locations him joint-second on the try-scorers record behind Benetton’s Onisi Ratave (six), the Sharks have scored essentially the most tries of any group this season.
KEO: SA’s unsung URC heroes invaluable belongings
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane claims that the Sharks’ battle with offensive effectivity within the URC would be the essential focus of their post-season evaluations, arguing that their assault has declined considerably because the inaugural marketing campaign in 2021-22.
He highlights that the Stormers have been essentially the most constant South African group within the URC, successful the title in 2021-22 and reaching the finals final season.
Based on Keohane, the Vodacom Bulls have proven essentially the most enchancment, together with the Lions, particularly in try-scoring and protection.
“The Problem Cup will not be the Champions Cup. Context is crucial for the Sharks as a result of a Problem Cup title can not act as a plaster for the bodily hurt accomplished within the URC this season,” he writes.
“Friday evening’s match doesn’t carry the gravitas of Saturday evening’s gladiatorial showdown, but it surely does matter for a Sharks group determined to take one thing from a dismal URC league marketing campaign.
“The URC performances is the place the best focus might be on a Sharks season evaluation, and the Sharks URC league failure to launch on assault appears to be the important thing to their points, with 329 factors and 45 tries in 17 video games properly beneath the usual.
The Sharks have seesawed in three URC league campaigns and their assault effectivity has plummeted from 510 factors within the first season to 329 factors within the third season. Their protection effectivity in season three has stabilised after they shipped 51 tries within the second season, in comparison with 45 this season.”
Picture: Steve Haag Sports activities/Gallo Photographs
