Ambitious Sharks now have 'solid foundations'

REACTION: The next two rounds could be decisive in the Sharks' Currie Cup campaign.

The Cheetahs and Sharks are in an intense two-way race at the top of the standings - the only remaining unbeaten teams after five rounds.

Along with the Bulls, with just one loss (against the Cheetahs), there is a clear gap looking back at the chasing pack.

The Free Staters overtook the KwaZulu-Natalians at the top of the standings with a commanding (66-14) win over the hapless Lions in Bloemfontein at the weekend.

However, it is only on points difference, 86 to 44 - as both have 18 points.

The defending-champion Bulls, on 15 points, remained in touch with a 53-27 win over a willing Griquas team in Kimberley.

And the Sharks will face their closest rivals in the next two rounds as the first half of the season draws to a close - the Bulls at home to the Sharks in Pretoria on Wednesday, March 16, and the Sharks hosting the Cheetahs in Durban a week later.

Captain James Venter spoke about the intense effort it required to subdue the Pumas (24-10) in a match played in balmy conditions in Nelspruit at the weekend.

As one of only two unbeaten teams after five rounds, they remain steadfast in their drive to finish top of the standings and secure home ground advantage in the play-offs.

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"The Currie Cup is really unpredictable," he told @rugby365com, adding: "With the URC running concurrently players will be called up.

"However, we have a strong core group in the Currie Cup.

"The boys are focusing on growth, enjoyment and effort for each other.

"Those three aspects are really important foundations for us as a team."

Coach Etienne Fynn pointed to defence and discipline as two of the key contributing factors to the win in Nelspruit.

However, he admitted the conditions - hot and humid - made ball control just as tricky as in Durban.

Flyhalf Henry Chamberlain slotted eight penalties against the willing Pumas - kicking four penalties in each half to seal the win.

"It was a difficult environment in which to play an attractive and expansive game," he told a post-match media briefing.

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