Joey Mongalo, the defensive strategist for the Sharks, isn't ready to throw in the towel just yet, despite the team’s precarious position on the United Rugby Championship log. Following a narrow 21-17 loss to the Ospreys, the Sharks' playoff aspirations seem dim with just a "10% chance" of making it to the postseason, according to Mongalo.
The Sharks are languishing at 11th place, trailing the eighth-placed Bulls by 11 points with only three games left in the tank. Their road to a miraculous playoff berth begins with a critical showdown against Edinburgh at Hive Stadium this Friday, followed by matchups against Benetton and Zebre on home turf. Moreover, they'll need a few favorable outcomes from other matches to keep their slim hopes alive.
"After losing that game, we thought we were dead and out of the URC. But if you look at it now, we’ve still got a 10% chance,"
Mongalo conveyed. Drawing a vivid picture of their plight, he added, "Imagine you’re on your deathbed and you thought you were gone, but someone tells you you've got a 10% chance of living – that’s our chance of making the playoffs."
Mongalo remains buoyant about the Sharks' capabilities, reflecting on the previous game as a missed opportunity. "We had a really honest and good review after the Ospreys game. We felt it was an opportunity where we left a whole bunch of chances out there," he remarked. Despite failing to capitalize on their opportunities, the team's ability to maneuver into scoring positions was a positive takeaway for Mongalo.
The Sharks now prepare to face Edinburgh, a team coached by former Sharks head Sean Everitt, which recently clinched a tight victory over Zebre. With the Sharks having eked out narrow wins in their last two visits to Hive Stadium, another grueling battle is anticipated.
"Edinburgh are a good side at home and very different to how they are away from home. They’re a proud team and the Hive is a tough place to play, with strong support behind them," Mongalo noted, acknowledging the challenge ahead.
"If we can produce a similar performance in terms of effort and physicality – which we thought was really good against the Ospreys – then we’ve got a chance,"
he concluded, hinting at the level of intensity required for Friday's clash.
The Sharks' next games are not just about survival but proving that even against the odds, they can still deliver a performance worthy of a playoff contender. With the season on the line, every pass, tackle, and try counts more than ever.