Sharks take positives from loss

Sharks assistant coach Grant Bashford hailed the character the team showed in their first defeat of the Currie Cup campaign against the Blue Bulls on Saturday.

Lapses in concentration cost the Sharks dearly in the latter stages of the match as errors led to the hosts racing clear, but Bashford said he was proud of the way the inexperienced side pulled together and salvaged a four-try bonus point.

“We made too many mistakes and turned over too much ball on the night,” acknowledged Bashford after the match, “but we were really pleased with the character shown by the youngsters.

“Although the damage had been done earlier, they still went after that bonus point try, and got it in the end.”

Bashford said the number of opportunities they created was another positive that they can take from the loss.  

“We showed that we can score tries but those many errors cost us and the Bulls took their scoring chances very well.”

Along with cutting out errors, Bashford said the team would also have to work on their discipline after Louis Fouche slotted six penalties to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

“The Bulls' strength in the collision prevented us from building any momentum,” Bashford explained. “We also conceded far too many penalties and this allowed Fouche to keep them in the game until those two late tries.”

There were no serious injuries to come out of the game and Bashford said they were hoping to receive a boost in playing personnel ahead of Saturday’s home match against the Free State Cheetahs, who come off successive victories over the Blue Bulls and Griquas.

“We hope to have some players back for Saturday’s game,” he said. “Meyer Bosman could be ready and we are hoping to get one or two of our Springboks back because of the bye weekend in the Rugby Championship.”