Lourens Adriaanse
Some introspection, mixed in with analysis and hard work is the theme of this week’s preparations for the Cell C Sharks’ Currie Cup return leg match against Griquas at Kings Park on Saturday (17:05 SA Time kick-off).
Sharks website editor Michael Marnewick reports that the Durbanites were not happy with the result of their match against the Pumas last week, acknowledging that there were aspects of their game they will need to improve on if they hope to do the double against tricky opponents who, like the Pumas this season, love nothing better than to get one over a traditionally “bigger” union.
“We’re not happy with our performance against the Pumas,” prop Lourens Adriaanse admitted. “We’re looking to work hard this week to rectify that and to step up on Saturday with a good performance.”
Looking back at the 32-22 loss in Nelspruit, he explains that it didn’t help matters to lose three players to injury, especially that early in the game.
“For us as a team, there were some disruptions at lock, a few lost lineouts cost us in the end and we know we could have performed better at lineout time. So we’ve been working hard on our set-piece this week to make sure we deliver good ball to our backs.”
Having conceded four tries, their defence wasn’t quite at the level they would have liked, but Adriaanse doesn’t feel there is major cause for concern.
“We’ve watched the video of the game in review and the coach showed us the defensive errors. It’s more a team thing we need to work on and small things that we’ve identified: focussing better on each of our jobs specifically.”
The rotation policy has not seen major personnel changes at regular intervals, but there is a programme in place to keep the freshness there and excitement levels high. It is a policy he thinks highly of.
“I think the coaches are doing a good job of giving everyone in the squad opportunities and keeping us all happy. We’re very comfortable with the way it’s going and we all know where we stand. Everyone is excited to get onto the park and contribute to the team’s fortunes.”
A newcomer to the team is prop Matt Stevens, the former Kearsney pupil, and a veteran of international rugby. The former England prop has a lot of experience and knowledge to impart to a relatively young front row.
“It’s been great having a guy like Matt around, he’s a great guy to have in your team and he brings a lot of experience. For me personally, I’ve been able to learn a lot from him at scrum time and he brings a lot of energy to the team,” continued Adriaanse.
Casting his eyes towards Saturday’s opponents, as a former Griquas player himself, he knows only too well what to expect.
“It’s going to be tough,” he says. “We know that Griquas’ pack of forwards will always come out to bring a very physical aspect to their game and we will need to match them upfront.”