Locked in a tight race for the United Rugby Championship's coveted top eight, Sharks winger Edwill van der Merwe is zoned in on this weekend's high-stakes derby against the Bulls in Pretoria. Coming off a disappointing 34-22 loss to the Lions, the Sharks are desperate to claw back into contention, sitting just a point behind the eighth-place Bulls.
Van der Merwe, reflecting on last week’s setback, expressed the team's collective disappointment.
"We know that doesn’t meet our standards,"
he noted, emphasizing a week of intense preparation aimed at correcting their course. With the memory of a previous victory over the Bulls in Durban fueling their confidence, the Sharks are hungry for a repeat performance that would leapfrog them over their rivals in the standings.
The urgency is palpable within the Sharks camp, as Van der Merwe underscored the importance of every match, particularly the derbies.
"The race for the top eight is on, so every game is crucial,"
said the 29-year-old winger. He acknowledged the strength of the Bulls, especially when backed by their home crowd, setting the stage for a fierce contest this Saturday.
While the team dynamics are crucial, individual battles will also be in the spotlight, with Springboks wings on both sides. Van der Merwe, paired with Makazole Mapimpi on the wings, is not just looking to outshine his counterparts like Canan Moodie and Kurt-Lee Arendse, but to elevate his game to meet the team’s needs. His focus remains on delivering within the team's strategy, particularly improving his aerial game, a critical component he felt was lacking against the Lions.
As the Sharks gear up for this crucial encounter, their resolve is clear: it’s all about making amends and pushing for a top-eight finish. With both teams boasting potent line-ups, Saturday’s showdown in Pretoria promises to be a thrilling chapter in the URC saga.
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Locked in a tight race for the United Rugby Championship's coveted top eight, Sharks winger Edwill van der Merwe is zoned in on this weekend's high-stakes derby against the Bulls in Pretoria. Coming off a disappointing 34-22 loss to the Lions, the Sharks are desperate to claw back into contention, sitting just a point behind the eighth-place Bulls.
Van der Merwe, reflecting on last week’s setback, expressed the team's collective disappointment.
"We know that doesn’t meet our standards,"
he noted, emphasizing a week of intense preparation aimed at correcting their course. With the memory of a previous victory over the Bulls in Durban fueling their confidence, the Sharks are hungry for a repeat performance that would leapfrog them over their rivals in the standings.The urgency is palpable within the Sharks camp, as Van der Merwe underscored the importance of every match, particularly the derbies.
"The race for the top eight is on, so every game is crucial,"
said the 29-year-old winger. He acknowledged the strength of the Bulls, especially when backed by their home crowd, setting the stage for a fierce contest this Saturday.While the team dynamics are crucial, individual battles will also be in the spotlight, with Springboks wings on both sides. Van der Merwe, paired with Makazole Mapimpi on the wings, is not just looking to outshine his counterparts like Canan Moodie and Kurt-Lee Arendse, but to elevate his game to meet the team’s needs. His focus remains on delivering within the team's strategy, particularly improving his aerial game, a critical component he felt was lacking against the Lions.
As the Sharks gear up for this crucial encounter, their resolve is clear: it’s all about making amends and pushing for a top-eight finish. With both teams boasting potent line-ups, Saturday’s showdown in Pretoria promises to be a thrilling chapter in the URC saga.