The Sharks find themselves on a high ahead of their second-round Champions Cup match against the Leicester Tigers as the only unbeaten South African side in the competition.
Fresh from a resounding 39-21 victory over Exeter, where their attacking prowess was on full display, the Durban-based side head to Welford Road in the East Midlands of England ready to face a Tigers team nursing a few wounds.
The Sharks showcased an impressive performance in round one, securing five points, while conceding just three tries. Their dominance was marked by a staggering 18 clean breaks on attack.
However, as they travel to the UK, the chilly winter climate presents a stark contrast to the balmy summer conditions they are accustomed to, which could heavily influence their style of play this weekend.
Leicester – boasting a star-studded line-up that includes Springbok flyhalf Handré Pollard, England fullback Freddie Steward, Australian centre Izaia Perese and SA loose forward Hanro Liebenberg – will prove to be formidable opponents on their home turf.
The Tigers demonstrated resilience and skill in their first outing, but faltered against Bordeaux, succumbing to a 42-28 defeat that exposed some vulnerabilities.
The Sharks, seizing upon such weaknesses, will be looking to exploit their opponents’ lineout troubles, as Leicester managed only a 71% success rate in this crucial area.
Discipline will also play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the match.
Despite their victory over Exeter, the Sharks’ propensity to concede penalties left them precariously short-staffed at one point in the game.
With 19 penalties awarded against them, the Sharks must tighten up their discipline or risk a repeat performance that could hand an advantage to the Tigers.
Pollard, if selected, will capitalise on any infractions, showcasing his lethal kicking ability that has punished opponents in the past.
Among the key match-ups to watch is the potential face-off between him and the Sharks’ own dynamic flyhalf, Jordan Hendrikse.
Having learned from the best during their time together in the Springbok camp on the November tour, Hendrikse is eager to test his mettle against the seasoned World Cup winner.
This anticipated duel could define the rhythm of the match, as both players seek to dictate play and create scoring opportunities for their teams.
In a game where kicking could be decisive, the accurate contestable kicks of the Sharks will need to be sharp to avoid the threat posed in the air by Steward.
Last weekend, the Sharks excelled with over 61% of their kicks validated as contestables according to tournament statistics, but facing a player like Steward, who demonstrated a remarkable 292 carry metres, will necessitate a strategic adjustment.
Despite the absence of key lock Eben Etzebeth, the Sharks will be buoyed by their solid lineout execution, remaining unblemished thus far.
This facet of the game could furnish the Sharks with crucial territory and possession, allowing them to control the pace of play as they seek an upset against a reeling Leicester side.