Sharks unfazed by outside noise

SPOTLIGHT: Sharks are not fazed by external criticism ahead of their United Rugby Championship (URC) clash against the Bulls on Saturday.

The Sharks’ URC campaign has suffered a setback courtesy of the 10-20 defeat to Stormers in Cape Town.

The Durbanites headed into the fixture as clear favourites given their Springbok-laden side.

However they failed to deliver, and - aside from their scrummaging - they were outplayed in most areas of the match.

Reflecting on the loss, Springbok hooker Mbongeni Mbonambi had nothing but praise for his former team the Stormers.

"Credit to the Stormers, they played really and took all their opportunity,” Mbonambi said.

"But we had an honest chat on Monday and cleared up everything.

"We as a team decided that whatever talk happens outside it's never going to influence what is happening inside [the camp].

"We know exactly what we need to rectify heading into next week."

The Sharks’ next assignment is a trip to Pretoria to face the Bulls.

Both teams have 16 log points with Sharks in second place through point difference.

The Pretoria team will be full of confidence following their two consecutive wins over the Lions.

“It is never easy going to Pretoria and playing the Bulls,” the Springbok conceded.

“We know it’s going to be tough and physical.

“We are busy putting our plans together, making sure we do our part.

"We just want to make sure we are fresh and ready to go on Saturday.”

*Meanwhile, BlitzBoks head coach Neil Powell was spotted at the Sharks training.

Powell will join the squad after the Sevens World Cup in 2022.

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