Good start, now Griquas need to kick on

Dave Alexander|Published 3 years ago

Phendulani Buthelezi of the Cell C Sharks during the SA Rugby Preparation Series match between Cell C Sharks and Tafel Lager Griquas at Cell C Growthpoint Kings Park on February 28, 2021 in Durban, South Africa. File Picture: Steve Haag, Gallo Images

TAFEL Lager Griquas are on a roll in their 2021 Carling Currie Cup campaign, having beaten three of the top rugby union teams. The Cheetahs, Stormers and Lions have become victims of the Peacock Blues in recent Currie Cup fixtures.

The team, according to head coach Scott Mathie, are in dreamland over recent results, and in their quest to win the Currie Cup this year they have shown their mettle having lost only two matches.

Meanwhile, speaking to the DFA shortly before the team’s departure for Durban to take on the Cell C Sharks on Saturday spoke of the strengths of the KZN team.

“The Sharks are really a good team as that was evident last week. We just have to make sure we can match them at set piece time. They have a strong scrum and their line-out maul is really effective. We will really have to make sure we are really on point there and the set piece battle.

“The other part of the game that we need to manage well is our kicking game. They have a lot of threat in their kicking game and return threat, so we are going to have to be accurate in our kicking game and to make sure of our ball when we have it,” Mathie added.

3 Days to go!
Tafel Lager Griquas take on the @TheSharksZA.
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— Griquas Rugby (@GriquasRugby) July 28, 2021

Fully aware of the might of the Sharks Mathie said the team were eager to compete. “We are looking forward to another away trip and for a good game ahead.”

Griqua fans will definitely be very interested to see the Griquas starting line-up for Saturday’s game, especially in the front row, seeing as there is the feeling that Mox Mxoli is too short at tighthead. Another concern is whether the guys have worked on their discipline; having given away far too many penalties in their matches thus far.

Added to this it is vital that Griquas take their scoring opportunities when they are presented, because the Sharks will not give any second chances.