The Sharks will be heading to Bloemfontein with a lot of confidence for their Currie Cup game against the Toyota Cheetahs on Saturday (17/8).

This comes after their 40-21 win against the Suzuki Griquas in Durban on Sunday for what was their third unbeaten result on the bounce. Before Sunday’s game at Kings’ Park, the Sharks beat the Lions 35-22 in Johannesburg, while they played to a thrilling 44-44 draw against the Pumas in Nelspruit.

Another proper test of character

A win for the Sharks this weekend against the defending champions will move them up into a semifinals spots, but the Cheetahs are also confident after their sixth win in a row against Western Province.

The Sharks coach, JP Pietersen, said it’s important to head to Bloemfontein with confidence, and they expecting another proper test of character.

“What I like about this group is they learn quickly and they bounce back immediately, and it’s exciting for a coach to see that,” said the former Springbok wing.

“It’s not just some of the guys putting their hands up, but most of the guys put their hands up. What a nice challenge for as we’re going to Bloemfontein. and this is just another test, to test the character of the group even more. I think the more (it’s) tested the better we will get.

“This is a part of rugby, and they must get up for a challenge.”

Werner Kok and Cohen Jasper. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Cheetahs in turn have renewed confidence after fighting back from 13-0 down to beat Western Province 26-19 for their sixth consecutive win against the team from the Mother City. The win, in wet conditions, also kept the Free State’s unbeaten record at the Cape Town Stadium intact.

The last time the Sharks played in Bloemfontein was during the EPCR Challenge Cup in a game the Cheetahs claimed a 32-29 win against a star-studded team. The Sharks did, however, go on to win the Challenge Cup.

Saturday’s match at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 17:15.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mc