17Mar Sharks v Hurricanes 17:10 GMT Durban
:: UPDATE :: - Sharks 27 v 14 Hurricanes - 6 out of 6!!
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A big thanks to Pops for the running commentary via SMS / text messages. There is no rugby coverage in Albania!
Come on boys!! You can do it! Shark attack in the Shark Tank! Make it 6 out of 6! JUST DO IT! This is in from the best damn sports site on the internet: www.rugby365.com
Sharks v Hurricanes
ABSA Stadium, Durban, 19.10 (17.10 GMT)
This is the game with the John Plumtree factor. The former Wellington Lions head coach, Plumtree, is now the Sharks’ forwards coach. He has an in depth knowledge of most of the Lions players, who form the nuclease of the Hurricanes.
“Plum [John Plumtree] is certainly a factor in this game,” Muir said. “There is the obvious pressure to perform for your current side against your ex-side.”
Another important factor is the Hurricanes’ erratic form. They are coming off two defeats and it may suggest they have lost the plot.
But Muir doesn’t think they are a lost cause. In fact he feels the Hurricanes are handily placed to launch a big onslaught for places in the play-offs.
“They are the only side to have beaten the table-topping Blues this year, they played in the Air New Zealand Cup Final last year and are a bit unpredictable … which makes them dangerous,” Muir said, when asked about the merits of the visitors.
“Yes, they do blow hot and cold, but on their day can beat the best. We have a lot of respect for them.”
The key for the Sharks is to dominate the set pieces and then ensure they control the possession. At the breakdown they will also have to be very physical, as the Hurricanes are masters of slowing down opposition ball.
Ultimately the unbeaten Sharks are masters of their own destiny. They know victory will see them move past the Blues and reclaim first place on the standings. That is a much sought-after position - as it brings with it the privileged of playing at home in the play-offs.
Prediction: The Sharks have oozed class all year and while they have not yet performed at their peak, they still look too good for the Hurricanes. The Sharks by 10 to 15 points.
Teams:
Sharks: 15 Francois Steyn, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Waylon Murray, 12 Bradley Barritt, 11 JP Pietersen, 10 Butch James, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Jacques Botes, 7 AJ Venter (c), 6 Warren Britz, 5 Johann Muller, 4 Johan Ackermann, 3 BJ Botha, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Deon Carstens.
Replacements: 16 John Smit, 17 Beast Mtawarira, 18 Albert van den Berg, 19 Keegan Daniel, 20 Ryan Kankowski/Bobby Skinstad, 21 Rory Kockott, 22 Adrian Jacobs.
Hurricanes: Hurricanes: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Hosea Gear, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Tana Umaga (c), 11 David Smith, 10 Blair Stewart, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 Serge Lilo, 6 Luke Andrews, 5 Bernie Upton, 4 Paul Tito, 3 Anthony Perenise, 2 Tone Kopelani, 1 Neemia Tialata.
Replacements: 16 Mahonri Schwalger, 17 John Schwalger, 18 Bradley Mika, 19 Hayden Hopgood, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Jimmy Gopperth, 22 Tamati Ellison
Referee: Matt Goddard (Australia)
Touch judges: Nathan Pearce (Australia) Phillip Bosch (South Africa)
Television match official: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)
Assessor: Arrie Schoonwinkel (South Africa), Paul Ramsay (New Zealand)
By Jan de Koning
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