The Sharks laid down a good marker by beating Griquas 42-3, last night in Durban. The game saw some very good interplay between backs and forwards and certain performances only asks more questions from Heyneke Meyer and his incision on certain aspects of the game.
During the early part of this week, speculation on whether the various CEO’s of the Unions were going to allow their returning Springboks play this weekend was rife. There was some people that thought that these players have played too much rugby this year and that a well deserved break was in order before the November End of Year Tour kicks off. Risking injury is also another huge factor for these players but some of them deserved the time on the park. Western Province for example decided to field all of their returning players, a sign that they are desperate not to end up bottom of the log.
The Sharks though had a headache infront of their game. The question was more, who deserved game time and who didn’t? They had to use Pat Lambie at 10, not because Meyer Bosman has done anything wrong, but because the player has been starving to get on the park. Craig Burden also needed to play. Other then that, the general consensus was that some of the players would be rested and some play a part from the bench. The result was that the Sharks was well deserving winners and that they are now guaranteed a Home Semi Final and should they progress a Home Final.
Patrick Lambie gave a stellar performance. He attacked the gainline well and his distribution once again showed why he is such a good player. Yeah, one or two silly errors, but you can understand that. He has not played rugby that much, but he is still a cool customer and will be vital to the Sharks and their cause. The introduction of players that come through the Sharks Academy has once again shown that the Union is well setup for next year with a handfull of players showing that they take it to the next level.
Finals…hie kom ek
All eyes will now focus on the remaining games of the weekend. Good luck to all other teams, we will see you in the Semi’s next week.