By the time the Bulls rock up in Durban for a massive United Rugby Championship clash, the Sharks will have already had to claim their first victory in their battle against the Pretoria-based side by overcoming any notion of mental and physical fatigue.
Since returning to action at the end of November – and with the festive season poking all and sundry straight in the holiday mode – it would be easy for the mind and flesh to become complacent as a tough year comes to a close.
Perhaps of all the weekends in the URC then, this weekend will amplify home-ground advantage.
In that regard, the Sharks will have the whip hand on Saturday at Kings Park against their northern neighbours (6pm kick-off 6pm).
It is certainly a favourable edge that Springbok and Sharks centre André Esterhuizen hopes his team will be able to exploit in front of what is expected to be a near-capacity crowd.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CXEkqULgV4
In explaining the benefits of this weekend’s home game, the 30-year-old also revealed just what the game-plan might be against the Bulls.
“You obviously want to win all your own games,” he said yesterday during a media briefing.
“It makes everything so much easier in the competition, especially with all the travel and stuff.
“We know this is a tough place to come and play because of different factors, outside factors, like the weather, the humidity and everything. As a team, we want to make it tough to compete here.
“We want to make it a hard, tough game, very physical and very fast. The more we can do that, and put teams under pressure, the better it will be for us.
“Being at home is obviously a massive boost,” Esterhuizen added.
“You’ve got your own fans here, and it’s nearly a sold-out crowd for this weekend, which we really appreciate.
“All the fans coming in, they’ve been showing up in numbers the last few games and it’s been great for us. So, we're definitely on the right track.
“The more we win at home, the more the fans come and the more enjoyable it is. We’re trying to create something special here. Home advantage is always good.”
Who will withstand the heat of Sharks Fest? 🔥
— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) December 18, 2024
Last remaining tickets left 🚨 Get yours now 👉 https://t.co/WFSspgwtKB#BKTURC #URC | #SHAvBUL pic.twitter.com/lGylC8M7Fo
Although the match-23 that faced Leicester last weekend only returned recently, and the team had their first practice this week only yesterday, the prime concern weighing on the squad remains clear.
The match-23 for the Bulls clash will be much changed, too, from the one that was defeated so comprehensively 56-17 at Welford Road.
“Obviously, bouncing back is our main priority,” said Esterhuizen emphatically.
Adding to that degree of desperation is the fact that the Bulls will also be smarting.
Director of rugby Jake White is sure to select his strongest team possible for the clash as he seeks to redeem his side’s 30-21 loss to Northampton Saints at Loftus Versfeld last weekend, also in the Champions Cup.
It will be a peeved Bulls unit that will arrive in Durban, one that will want to inflict as much pain on their hosts as possible.
That will be the second battle the Sharks will have to overcome, almost immediately, when referee Morné Ferreira blasts the whistle to commence hostilities.
With both sides unhappy with their current standing, the match could serve up a feast of big hits and crunching encounters, especially with all the Springboks on show.
Said Esterhuizen: “The Bulls, historically, are always a tough game physicality-wise.
“It’s always a North-South derby. It’s always been a great game to play in, and like I said, it’s going to be a physical challenge. We know them well... they know us also.”
The Sharks will reveal their first probing of the battle-lines later today when coach John Plumtree reveals his team to face the Bulls. | Independent Media Sport
* Looking for the perfect festive season gift? Pick up The Fireside Springboks by Independent Media’s Mike Greenaway on loot.co.za