VIDEO: Sharks out to rewrite history
REACTION: The Sharks are certainly not heading to Christchurch to lose says captain Ruan Botha.
The Sharks managed to sneak into the play-off after a 20-10 win over the Jaguares and with a little help from the Highlanders’ win over Rebels.
The Sharks and Rebels ended both on 36 points and won seven games, respectively.
However, the Sharks’ better points difference sees them advance and set up a quarterfinal fixture against Crusaders at Christchurch.
The Durbanites have an immense task at hand. Not only do they have to face a Crusaders side who have been in top form. There is the additional burden of having to overcome the Christchurch factor.
Thus far, the reigning champions are 8-0 at home this season. Looking back further they are 22-2 at home since the beginning of 2016, haven’t lost there in nearly two years and haven’t yet under Scott Robertson.
Sharks captain Ruan Botha is not fazed by the historical records and is poised his side is proficient enough to overcome the Crusaders.
“History is history,” Sharks captain Botha told reporters after the win over the Jaguares in Durban.
“You write your own path. There is no team that will go up there …and just go out there to lose.
“We are in the quarterfinals to win it,”
“Traveling is not always easy but we will adapt to it as quick as possible,”
The Sharks have recorded three wins from four matches over New Zealand sides, they did not face the Crusaders during the regular season.
The last time the Sharks recorded a victory over the Crusaders were back in 2014.
When asked about the Sharks’ quarterfinal opponents, Sharks coach Robert du Preez said: “They are top of the log they are a great side,”
“Heading to New Zealand is a wonderful opportunity and a massive challenge. But if we don’t go out there to beat them, we should stay home.
“The Crusader are a different challenge. Unlike the other New Zealand sides, they keep the ball for multiple phases and that is their biggest strength.
“They also have some very good individual players,”
By Leezil Hendricks
@leezil07
@rugby365com
