Assistant coach David Williams wants the Sharks to capitalise on their early ascendency and pressure to put the result beyond all doubt against Benetton in Treviso on Saturday.
The Sharks will conclude their three-match European tour in the Vodacom URC at the Stadio Comunale di Monigo, after John Plumtree’s charges scored a try in the dying seconds for a thrilling win over the Dragons in Newport in round 3 of the competition.
Last week’s dramatic 85th-minute victory, courtesy of Fez Mbatha’s last-gasp try, is just the latest in a string of last-gasp wins for the Sharks. This trend follows their Currie Cup campaign, where extra time and last-minute penalties decided their fate.
“Those narrow victories are proof that we can stay in the fight and we consider it a strong point. We can still see things through in situations where the pressure is high,” Williams told the media in a Sharks conference on Monday.
However, Williams is keen to see the team evolve, adding “We will have to build on our game to enable ourselves to put the result beyond all doubt long before the end of the showdown.”
The Sharks’ recent performances have also been marked by spectacular tries, with Jaden Hendrikse, Jurenzo Julius, and Ethan Hooker providing memorable moments against the Dragons.
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“It’s something we pride ourselves on,” Williams noted. “I think it starts with how we relieve pressure in our quarter area and our defence, which gives us good positions on the field. So we get good possession and then you have guys like Ethan [Hooker] – individuals who create some brilliant moments and help the team do some good things.”
Williams emphasises the importance of team cohesion developed during away games. “The understandings are massive. I think that was the value we took from those away games in the semi-finals and final of the Currie Cu,” he added.
“We’ve spent time together in the hotel, which isn’t always possible when you’re playing at home, and now we’re on the third leg of our European tour, so there’s plenty of time to form connections on and off the pitch.”
Despite Benetton’s recent struggles, Williams remains cautious: “We know the quality of our opponents this week with their lot of Test players. We looked at how they apply their strengths in games and where there are some options where we can put the pressure on them.
“It will be a tough battle between the forwards and at the back the teams will also test each other properly. It will once again come down to those moments you seize to score points.”
Photo: Gareth Everett/Gallo Images
