Werner Kok has emphasised the importance of the Sharks taking maximum points from their last three Vodacom United Rugby Championship matches, starting with Scarlets in Llanelli.

The Sharks begin their run-in to the Vodacom United Rugby Championship playoffs in Wales and Kok says the team is fully aware of their precarious position on the log.

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While an eighth-placed finish would ordinarily be enough for the Sharks to progress to the quarter-finals, space has to be found in the playoffs for one team from each of the five countries. This means that if a South African side finishes eighth or even seventh, they could fall out to accommodate a team from Wales and Italy, as neither country is represented in the top eight as it stands.

“Seventh place is in fact last place because there has to be a Welsh, Italian or Scottish team in the quarter-finals, so it is not good enough to finish where we currently are,” Kok told the media from the Sharks’ base in Wales.

“This weekend’s game against the Scarlets is vital as we start to build towards the playoffs. We want a bonus-point win. In fact, we want 15 points from our last three games and that will also give us a good chance of a home semi-final.”

The Sharks’ quest to climb the table has been boosted by the returning Springboks, who will add plenty of grit up front as well as accuracy in the backline.

“The Boks coming back is always a big boost,” Kok admitted. “It boosts everyone when you have that calibre of player of back. It means a different quality of training — more physicality and precision.

“When we got the Boks back last week, the vibe in training went up a level because of the confidence these guys instill.”

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The Vodacom URC’s two-week break, combined with the Sharks’ youth approach to the Currie Cup, has allowed the senior players to refresh after a tough loss to the DHL Stormers in Cape Town.

“It was a good rest,” Kok said. “Our second half against the Stormers shows we have the depth and we can push on without the Springboks. We just have to start games better.

“It was good for the bodies now that we are in the business end, it was needed. Everyone is rested, and feeling good. It’s now about making the step up and going for gold.”

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