Sharks wing Edwill van der Merwe is under no illusions about the challenge awaiting him at Loftus Versfeld this Saturday when his team clashes with the Bulls in a pivotal Vodacom URC showdown. After a disappointing 34-22 loss to the Lions that saw the Sharks slip to 10th in the standings, Van der Merwe and his squad are keen to bounce back against their Highveld rivals, who sit just above them in the pecking order.
"We were all disappointed with the result and the performance we put out," admitted Van der Merwe. "This week, there’s been a big focus on collectively fixing it. There were some unforced errors and other areas that needed cleaning up, but the prep has been good and now we’re looking to rectify it on the weekend.”
"Where the kicking game comes in for me is the aerial contest. It’s something I work really hard on,"
he confessed, reflecting on his performance at Ellis Park. "On the weekend I wasn’t that sharp in that area, and it’s something we rely on a lot. Personally, I want to be better in that space."
The clash at Loftus will not just be a test of team strategy but also an individual battle of the skies. "There are Springbok wings on the other side as well, so it’ll be a good contest and I have to be on my A game," Van der Merwe added, pinpointing the importance of the aerial duels that often decide matches on the Highveld.
The Sharks boast the talents of seasoned Bok Makazole Mapimpi and the promising Jaco Williams, who Van der Merwe praised highly: "Jaco is an exciting player. He’s a bit quiet, but he brings a lot of excitement. We’ve seen what he can do. He’s growing week by week and has incredible potential to reach great heights. Healthy competition is always good for the group.”
With the URC SA Shield up for grabs and playoff spots hanging in the balance, the significance of this encounter isn’t lost on the Sharks' winger. "Every game is crucial, especially in the South African conference. The Bulls are an incredible side at home, with their fans behind them. We expect a very physical challenge and we have to be at our absolute best,” he concluded.
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Sharks wing Edwill van der Merwe is under no illusions about the challenge awaiting him at Loftus Versfeld this Saturday when his team clashes with the Bulls in a pivotal Vodacom URC showdown. After a disappointing 34-22 loss to the Lions that saw the Sharks slip to 10th in the standings, Van der Merwe and his squad are keen to bounce back against their Highveld rivals, who sit just above them in the pecking order.
"We were all disappointed with the result and the performance we put out," admitted Van der Merwe. "This week, there’s been a big focus on collectively fixing it. There were some unforced errors and other areas that needed cleaning up, but the prep has been good and now we’re looking to rectify it on the weekend.”
"Where the kicking game comes in for me is the aerial contest. It’s something I work really hard on,"
he confessed, reflecting on his performance at Ellis Park. "On the weekend I wasn’t that sharp in that area, and it’s something we rely on a lot. Personally, I want to be better in that space."
The clash at Loftus will not just be a test of team strategy but also an individual battle of the skies. "There are Springbok wings on the other side as well, so it’ll be a good contest and I have to be on my A game," Van der Merwe added, pinpointing the importance of the aerial duels that often decide matches on the Highveld.
The Sharks boast the talents of seasoned Bok Makazole Mapimpi and the promising Jaco Williams, who Van der Merwe praised highly: "Jaco is an exciting player. He’s a bit quiet, but he brings a lot of excitement. We’ve seen what he can do. He’s growing week by week and has incredible potential to reach great heights. Healthy competition is always good for the group.”
With the URC SA Shield up for grabs and playoff spots hanging in the balance, the significance of this encounter isn’t lost on the Sharks' winger. "Every game is crucial, especially in the South African conference. The Bulls are an incredible side at home, with their fans behind them. We expect a very physical challenge and we have to be at our absolute best,” he concluded.
Sharks Team: Makazole Mapimpi, Jaco Williams; Bulls Team: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie, Cheswill Jooste