The Lions will host the Sharks in a United Rugby Championship clash at Ellis Park on Saturday. They will be hoping that altitude works in their favour against a team that recently beat the Bulls 29-19.
The Sharks are riding high off the back of consecutive wins in the United Rugby Championship (URC). Meanwhile, the Lions lost 31-19 to the Bulls in their last game after previously beating the Stormers 30-23.
The Lions are 12th in the URC but eighth-placed Scarlets are still very much within reach in the race for Champions Cup qualification. The Sharks are riding high with a quality lineup boasting several Springboks.
Altitude Favours Lions
One advantage for the Lions could be the altitude at Ellis Park. Another coastal South African side, the Stormers, recently struggled with the conditions in Johannesburg, where the Lions secured a 30-23 win. This was a stark contrast to their reverse fixture in Cape Town, where the Stormers dominated with a 29-10 victory.
At 1,753 metres above sea level, Ellis Park is a tough venue for visiting teams. Scott Barrett highlighted this when the All Blacks visited the Springboks in Johannesburg last year.
“I guess it’s the same for both teams. It certainly challenges your decision making,” Barrett told reporters. Being near the Indian Ocean, the Sharks’ Kings Park Stadium is at sea level. However, the Sharks managed to get a 29-19 win over the Bulls in Pretoria in their last game and Loftus Versfeld, where the Bulls host their fixtures, is itself around 1,350 metres above sea level.
Sharks Counting on Game Management
Under the stewardship of head coach John Plumtree, the Sharks have a plan which they believe can help them take the game to the Lions.
“We are expecting a fast-paced game, they will look to run us off our feet,” Sharks flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse said, as per Rugby365.
“For us, it is about managing the game, being present at every moment and making sure we do what we must to get the result.
“Looking at the South African Conference, a win is vital this weekend, so for us, our focus is on winning.”
The win over fierce rivals the Bulls, who are competing with the Sharks to be the dominant team in South Africa, has boosted the Durban-based side’s confidence. “For us, it’s taking confidence out of that victory,” said Hendrikse.
“It’s never easy to go to the Highveld and get a win there, but we backed ourselves because of the Currie Cup result when we played the Bulls there [drawing 40-all up at Loftus Versfeld in the semifinal] and also beating the Lions in the Final [16-14 at Ellis Park].
“We take that confidence going into the game this weekend and for us, it’s about focusing on our game, on what we need to do to achieve the result we want.”
Hendrikse’s Return
Hendrikse returns to his old stomping ground, having previously spent four years with the Lions.
“I’m blessed to be back here, the weather plays a big part, it’s always warm, so it’s always a good day of training,” he said, as per SABC.
“It’s like a family here, it’s nice to be back with familiar faces like my brother [Jaden] and that played a big part in me coming back. Coming here to play under new coaches, in a new environment and giving my best every day will help me grow as a player.”
Conclusion
Both teams have plenty to play for with the Sharks (2.40) fighting for a top four position, while the Lions (1.60) chase the top eight. The Sharks have the form book on their side and this could be a match which sees the online sports betting odds, which currently forecast a home win, overturned.
