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Kolisi challenges Sharks to front up against Munster

rugby29 March 2023 15:18| © SuperSport
By:Brenden Nel
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Siya Kolisi © Gallo Images

What happened against the Scarlets was an embarrassment for the Cell C Sharks, so much so that the side has closed that door behind them and wants to focus on putting on a much better display against Munster in the Heineken Champions’ Cup this weekend.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi fronted the media on Wednesday and admitted that what the Sharks displayed against Scarlets was nothing more than “nonsense” and that the players were angry with themselves with the way they played.

Kolisi said the players as a collective had decided to train with a different mindset this week to ensure they don’t lose their only shot at the Champions’ Cup.

“As a unit you could see we hadn’t played together and a couple of individual players had some good moments, but as a team we didn’t do well. We were obviously not happy with the way we played,” he said in reference to the loss in Wales.

“The nonsense we put out there, we really were disappointed with ourselves. It was one of those games that really didn’t go our way, and we didn’t take the opportunity we wanted to. We said we would leave it there and we would come here with a different mindset and a different attitude.”

MUNSTER UNPREDICTABLE

Kolisi added that this weekend’s playoff format means the Sharks won’t get another opportunity if they are mediocre, and more than anything they need to meet their own standards on the field.

“We disappointed ourselves. Each individual has to be better. As a team we need to be better. We want to make sure we put in a much better performance against Munster, who have done very well this year. Also, if you lose you are out, it is a playoff and we wanted to do well in this competition. We want to put in a proper performance and we wanted to give ourselves a chance to go to the quarterfinals.”

Kolisi praised the unpredictability of Munster this weekend, and said his team would have to be at their best, especially at the breakdowns.

“They are an amazing side. They are a great side and they attack very well. They hold onto the ball longer than most teams in the competition. They are good at the breakdown and have one of the best ruck speeds in the competition. They have a strong pack who have a lot of variety. There is so much we need to look out for this weekend, but we just need to be at our best this weekend in everything we do. The big thing is to make sure we have a good game, and that we are aware - especially in setpiece where they have trick setplays. They are a great team because they know what they are about.”

Kolisi laughed when talking about the atmosphere on Saturday, noting that his son would be bringing 60 family and friends to the stadium to help give the Sharks that extra support.

But the Bok captain is enjoying the Champions’ Cup and hoping his side can make a lasting impression.

“It is really different. The history of it is really good and while there may be one or two people who think it is strange because you have a South African team in the European Cup, we don’t really care about that. We want to come in and show who we are as a South African team. I really think we can bring value and add something different. We are fortunate to have coaches who have been part of the European Cup and has told us how big it is in Europe.”

The Sharks will name their side for the clash on Friday.

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