Sharks to show Bulls just how tough it is in the Tank

SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks are determined to enhance their growing reputation as an impenetrable force in Durban.

They host the Bulls in a top-of-the-table clash in Saturday - a Round Three Currie Cup clash.

The Bulls top the table with 32 points (after eight matches), with the Sharks eight points behind - but have a game in hand.

Not only do they have a score to settle - following an embarrassing 14-41 loss to the Bulls in their last encounter (a Super Rugby Unlocked outing in Pretoria), the Sharks are determined to keep intact their unbeaten record in the Tank this year.

In the domestic competition, the Unlocked half of the season, they beat the Lions and Cheetahs in Durban.

Before COVID-19 ended the regular Super Rugby season in March they also had wins over the Stormers, Jaguares and Bulls in Durban.

That saw them top Super Rugby's standings.

Since the resumption of action - post-COVID-19 lockdown - the Sharks' only loss was that hammering at Loftus Versfeld.

Marius Louw, a flank converted to centre, said they have a point to prove to the Bulls.

"For us, it [Durban] is our fortress," the 25-year-old told a media briefing in the Shark Tank, as they stepped up preparations for the arrival of the visitors from the north.

"We set a goal at the start of the year to keep it that way.

"We don't want it to be easy for our opponents coming here and we are going to prove it again this weekend."

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The Bulls have changed a lot since their last visit to Durban - a new coach in Director of Rugby Jake White and a revamped playing roster.

"They look a lot fresher," Louw said of the team they beat 23-15 back on January 31.

"They've done some good things lately and you have to give credit where credit is due," he added.

"However, we're focused on ourselves and what we need to do.

"We have a plan and it's up to us to execute.

"If we do, we'll get the 'W' on the day.

"For us, it's about the performance, that's what we have been working on in training and our preparation has been going very well."

He admitted their domestic season has been a bit of "stop-and-go" - with their Unlocked encounter with the Stormers (scheduled for Durban back in November) cancelled because of a rash of COVID-19 cases in the Sharks camp.

Since the Currie Cup leg of the domestic season resumed on November 27, the Sharks had a 45-10 win over the Pumas and then had a bye.

"Despite the lack of game time in the last month, Louw believes this is "a chance to show that we're adaptable to anything".

"We are up for it," he said of the showdown with the Bulls.

@rugby365com