Preview: Hollywoodbets Sharks vs Vodacom Bulls

02/15/2025 06:02 AM

Today's Vodacom United Rugby Championship second round clash between the Vodacom Bulls and Hollywoodbets Sharks beckons, with the action taking place at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria at 5pm.

Both teams go into this game knowing that victory will either close the gap or surpass second-placed Glasgow Warriors on the VURC log as the South Africans look to take advantage of the game in hand they still have over the Scots.

Log positions aside, particularly with so much rugby still to play, this match is really about performances, and even more so, winning performances.

For backline coach David Williams, the team is in a good place and well-positioned to put out a strong performance.

"Post Cardiff we had some downtime before regrouping for some good preparation and training," he explained in the lead-in to the game.

"For the coaching staff and playing group, getting some time away to connect with family again brings a lot of energy when you come back.

"Every week we look at the opposition and for us it's about building for a winning performance."

Despite the loss of numerous players to Springbok resting protocols and injuries, the Hollywoodbets Sharks have been able to name a formidable side for this derby clash, including a number of Rugby World Cup winners.

"Although we're missing players, we have guys who can definitely influence the outcome of the game," Williams pointed out.

"The guys who get a chance to play increases the depth of our squad and that strength will grow in the coming weeks as we get to the business end of the season.

"Without the Boks, this match gives those who are playing an opportunity to stake a claim for inclusion when the currently injured and resting players return to the fold."

Looking at the attacking threats, he acknowledged the challenge that lies ahead.

"With this being a South African derby, it just adds greater intensity to the week and the focus from the guys.

"Rugby is built around the set-piece battle, the scrums and lineouts, and while we have attacking threats in our backline, there are also transition threats from a defensive perspective, so if we get some transition opportunities or kick-returns, we have real potential there to influence the game."

As to the forward battle, explained that, "In any game we play we look through points of pressure and scrumming is on the Bulls use well, but for us it's about that complete performance in the game.

"So we're looking to control certain moments to give us the advantage in other areas of the game."

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