Skipper Reniel Hugo is confident that the Sharks can beat defending Currie Cup champions the Pumas in Nelspruit on Friday, without any Vodacom URC back-up.
Speaking in a Sharks media conference, Hugo said that the Durbanites have built up momentum after winning three games in a row in the competition, including strong away victories over the Free State Cheetahs and Vodacom Bulls.
The Sharks defeat the Pumas in Durban this season and with the return leg at the Mbombela Stadium, the veteran lock knows that it will be a challenge to do the double on the title-holders.
“In this competition, you have to pitch up every week and do the hard work all over again if you hope to win,” Hugo said. “It is not just going to happen.
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“There are guys coming back [from the URC] who have played a lot of rugby and they will be having a break. And the guys who are going to be available can’t just fit in — they have to work hard to make the team better.
“It is lovely to have them but it is all about the team. We will see what works for the team going forward.”
According to Hugo, the Sharks did not have a pre-season, so it took them some time to settle into the team systems and get used to the game plan. However, after an up-and-down start, they concentrated on backing up their performances and now have a better understanding of what they want to do.
“This is a massive game for us,” he added. “Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse has done great work up in Nelspruit and they have a proud record at home. Even though we beat them in Durban, we will be underdogs again.”
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