Sharks look to build momentum in Ireland after first URC win of the season
United Rugby Championship
The Sharks hope to continue their URC revival when they travel to Galway to face Connacht, seeking back-to-back victories for the first time this season. Springbok scrumhalf Grant Williams is expected back for teh Durbanites as well. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
The Sharks will look to back up their first victory of the United Rugby Championship (URC) season when they face Connacht in Galway this weekend, knowing the Irish side has had the upper hand in recent encounters.
John Plumtree’s team finally broke their winless start to the campaign with a composed 29-19 triumph over the Scarlets before the November break, a performance marked by improved defensive organisation, sharper breakdown work and far greater control with ball in hand.
It was a much-needed result after three defeats and a draw to open the season, raising hopes that the Durban side may be turning a corner.
However, Connacht present a far sterner test.
The Irish province has won three of their last five clashes with the Sharks, including their most recent meeting in Galway, where windy, wet conditions and a raucous crowd traditionally make life difficult for touring South African sides.
The Sharks currently sit in the lower reaches of the URC table, and victory in Ireland would not only provide back-to-back wins for the first time this season but also inject much-needed momentum heading into a challenging festive season schedule. They will next face Champions Cup fixtures against Toulouse away and Saracens at home, before welcoming the Bulls and Lions to the Shark Tank in the URC.
The news that Bok scrumhalf Grant Williams will return to the Sharks ahead of Saturday's Test against Wales will be welcomed by the struggling franchise. The speedster played a key role in the win over the Scarlets.
Connacht sit one place above the Durban side in 12th place in the URC standings – having played four matches – and will view the fixture as an opportunity to reassert themselves after an inconsistent start to the season that was marked by some narrow defeats.
They lost 17-15 away against Munster in their last match, and also lost by one point to the Bulls at home in the match before that.
Kick-off in Galway is scheduled for 9.45pm on Saturday.