Red-hot Renzo on hungry Sharks' radar

09/17/2024 10:41 AM

James Venter can't wait to tackle fellow back-row bruiser Renzo du Plessis in what the Sharks XV expect to be a fast and furious Currie Cup final against the Lions on Saturday, reports DEVIN HERMANUS.

The Lions, fresh from a high-scoring win over the defending champions Cheetahs, host a Sharks outfit that progressed to the showpiece of rugby’s oldest competition at Ellis Park after a dramatic extra-time draw against the Vodacom Bulls, advancing on tries scored.

Venter, who represented the Lions from 2016 to 2019, is excited about the prospect of facing a formidable Lions loose trio, led by top try-scorer Renzo du Plessis, along with former Blitzbok star JC Pretorius, and hard-hitting forwards Francke Horn, Ruan Venter, and Jarod Cairns.

Speaking in a Sharks conference on Tuesday with assistant coach Warren Whiteley, Venter told reporters:  "The Lions have a really good reputation producing some really good loose forwards, and there's no difference in that loose trio that they offer.

“We've seen Renzo's breakthrough season, JC coming through nicely, as well as guys like Francke and Ruan, they've always done well.

"But on a weekend like this, if you look at our loose trio with Manu [Emmanuel] and Vincent [Tshituka] in the mix, we've definitely got a dynamic and explosive loose trio as well. I know we're going to stick to what we do well, our Sharks model; it's going to be a good battle and I’m looking forward to it."

Ellis Park's fast pitch is set to provide the platform for an exciting contest. Venter highlighted the Sharks' potent attack, which saw the Durbanites score six tries against the Bulls in Pretoria. "If you look at our exciting backline, we saw last week how we managed to put six tries over the line and another two disallowed.

“We're really excited for that pitch which is going well into our model and what we worked on in pre-season. Ellis Park is a stadium that I get excited about running out on, very prestigious," he added.

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However, the physical challenge cannot be overlooked, with the Lions known for their strong set-piece play and ability to capitalise on turnovers. "Lions are also a side that thrives off a good set piece, and get excited from turnovers and transitions," Venter noted.

"They love their scrums, they love their mauls, and those are moments in the game that if we win, it can help the scoreline go our way."

The Sharks had a gruelling semi-final against the Bulls, going the full 100 minutes, but Venter is confident that the team is physically ready for another Highveld battle. "Yes, 100 minutes is intense and very demanding, but I think everyone in the group is in good shape, so this was actually awesome preparation for the finals up in Joburg.

“The guys are more raring to go than they are concerned about fitness or how their bodies are feeling," he added.

For Whiteley, returning to Ellis Park as a coach holds special significance. Having captained the Lions during his playing days, the former Springbok skipper is relishing the chance to help guide the Sharks in a Currie Cup final at his old stomping ground.

"It's a bit of mixed emotions, and also special. We see it in Test rugby, Ellis Park is a special place to play. I've got some fond memories over there, but it's a great opportunity for us, and we've developed nicely over the last few weeks," he said.

He also acknowledged the Lions’ strength and consistency: "The Lions are a great side, they topped the Currie Cup standings and proved that throughout the competition, so it's going to be a massive test for us and we're looking forward to it.

“It's a final and we want to treat it with respect and honour the traditions of the competition… They’re a tight-knit group and have good continuity in all areas – it's going to be a lekker battle."

Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images

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