Centre Lukhanyo Am says the Sharks have learnt from the Vodacom Bulls’ mistakes, in preparation for Saturday’s quarter-final against Toulouse in the Champions Cup.
The Bulls ran out of steam at Le Stadium on Sunday as five-time Champions Cup winners Toulouse scored 21 unanswered points to advance to the quarter-finals.
The 33-9 defeat brought down the curtain on the Bulls’ maiden campaign in the competition but speaking during a Sharks conference on Tuesday, Am told media that it was ill-discipline, not a lack of effort or quality, which was the undoing of Jake White’s charges.
“I thought the Bulls did really well until the 50th minute of that game on Sunday and what cost them was the penalty count,” he said.
“All South African teams like the confrontational and physical side of things, and if we bring that against a side like Toulouse, who have a big pack, it will give us confidence. But we need to have good discipline to minimise their opportunities to get into our 22. That is what cost the Bulls on Sunday.
MORE: Etzebeth, Hendrikse blow for Sharks
“Our discipline has definitely been a big work-on this season. What has been particularly frustrating is that our penalties in the past weren’t system related, but individual errors. That is very frustrating as it is avoidable and it is something we are continually working on. The set-piece aside, a lot of the penalties against us have been random penalties.
“We have been letting ourselves down and allowing our opponents to put us under pressure.”
The Sharks travel to the south of France to face Toulouse reportedly without injured enforcer Eben Etzebeth and fellow Springbok Jaden Hendrikse.
Am, though, is confident the Durbanites can upset the French giants if they match them for physicality and ingenuity.
“I think French sides have a similar style to us, they place a lot of emphasis on a strong set-piece and forward dominance and a backline that is not afraid to move the ball around,” he said.
“It is like versus like in this game. We know we are up against a big side. And Toulouse, who are such a good team, having homeground advantage does make it a massive challenge for us. But it is something we are preparing for and it is a challenge we are looking forward to embracing.”
Photo: Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix