Sharks could feel the heat says Eloff
Mon, 06 Oct 2008 08:09
Eugene Eloff believes the Sharks could well start to feel the pressure week when the Lions travel to Durban for the Currie Cup semifinal on Saturday.
The Lions coach saw his side battle to a 6-14 defeat against Western Province, but it was ultimately enough to secure their place in the top four and the right to tackle John Plumtree’s men for a spot in the season-ending final.
"Whether we had to play in Durban or Pretoria it is going to be tough," said Eloff.
"We have a good track in Durban and ideally I would love the team to travel as little as possible but it does not matter now. We've reached the play-offs and that's it."
The Sharks of course earned their home semifinal after finishing top of the table and will now therefore be seen by many as the favourites at Absa Stadium.
Eloff though says he is well aware of the threat posed by the Sharks and has obviously already been hard at work compiling his plans to try and help the Lions continue their quest for their first Currie Cup glory since 1999.
"The Sharks, like [Western] Province, are very dangerous when they turn over ball," he said.
"Both these teams will punish you severely when they secure turn-overs.
"If the Lions open up the game and are not accurate and make errors, these two sides make you pay.
"So we will have to be much more clinical at the breakdowns.
"We'll wait for them [the Sharks] to come clean out the rucks because that's where it will be the real test of character.
With much of the expectation on the Natal side to go on this year and break their own 12 year Currie Cup drought Eloff was keen to point out that the pressure on the home side may well prove to be an important factor.
"Look, it's been a long time since the Sharks have last won the Currie Cup so they will be feeling the pressure."
