Sharks target fast start in URC rematch with the Lions

The Sharks appeared to be in slow motion during the opening exchanges of last week’s match against the Lions at Ellis Park, but speedy Yaw Penxe says the afterburners will be blasting in Saturday’s rematch. The Lions were 14-0 up in no time and kept the throttle wide open to lead 19-0 at half-time and 38-0 with three minutes to go.

“It is 100% correct that how you start sets the tone for the match,” the stocky wing said.

“A fast start is what every team goes for. If you lose that first 20 minutes, it gets into your head, and you lose confidence. So, a huge priority against the Lions on Saturday is to get a better start than last week.”

Penxe, a Junior Springbok in 2017, said that the Sharks were relishing the opportunity to play the Lions again so soon after their humbling defeat.

“It helps to play the same team back-to-back because we essentially get a second chance a week later, which doesn’t happen often. We have a good opportunity to right our wrongs. This week, the review and preview are the same as last week, so we do not have much to look at besides ourselves.

“A big area we identified was our lack of physicality when the Lions were in our half, especially in our 22,” the Queen's College alumni said. “We were not as physical as we should have been, and that is a mental issue. We can fix that.”

Penxe said a second area of concern was the Sharks’ faulty kicking.

“Several inaccurate kicks hurt us,” he said. “We kept giving the Lions opportunities with the ball.

“Thirdly, our skill set was found wanting on too many occasions. We gave away turnovers, and they put us straight back into our half.”

Last week, the Sharks had an opportunity to sew up the SA Shield, the prize awarded to the most successful team in the SA derbies across the United Rugby Championship. It would have gone to the Bulls had they beaten the Stormers, but they lost, meaning the Sharks now have a second chance to claim it.

The Lions can’t win it, but if they beat the Sharks, the Shield will go to the Stormers. Furthermore, if the Lions beat the Sharks with a bonus point, the Durbanites will finish at the bottom of the Shield competition.

Penxe said the Sharks had spoken about winning the Shield as part of their redemption.

“The Shield means a lot to us,” the 27-year-old said. “We have not won it yet, so there is motivation coming from that. Hopefully, we win and lift the Shield for the first time.”

Penxe is part of a backline that has been brilliant in matches where they have enjoyed decent possession. He says it is a pleasure to play in this combination.

“We have some very good players in a good balance of exciting youngsters and experienced seniors. There are the energetic and electric guys like Jurenzo Julius, and Lukhanyo (Am) is an old head who brings calmness and experience, as does Swys (Francois Venter).”

Penxe added that he has been impressed with how youngster Jordan Hendrikse has transitioned from flyhalf to fullback. Hendrikse has been playing there for the last three games because Siya Masuku has been backed at 10.

“Jordan has been a huge influence,” said Penxe.

“He is more of a flyhalf, which means he communicates a lot. In terms of the back three, at every stoppage, he has something to say. He will make a point about where we are going right or wrong. His communication has been key in the back three.”