Forwards Coach, Roddy Grant, told reporters at a virtual media briefing that while the Sharks result was disappointing for all, the week in training camp has allowed the team and coaches to review and prepare for the Stormers challenge.
On Sharks disappointment
“ It was a frustrating game and obviously the result didn’t go our way. We felt we could have won the game but a few errors cost us, we were a little bit off in terms of reacting to things. There were enough positives to take with what we are trying to implement with Richie (Murphy). Stormers went really well against Edinburgh, so it’s going to be a really big challenge but we are really excited and another week in training is positive for the week up to it."
On what the team are trying to implement
"It's complex. Some of it takes time, some we think can make changes in the short term, in terms of tactics. The time has been fractured with internationals away but there are multiple factors that we are excited about this week."
On working with new coaching staff
"It's been great, they are very good coaches and guys. It’s a big challenge out in South Africa with facing two top teams but its given us the chance to get to know one another. It’s been great working closely with John Fogarty in the Forwards group, getting his view and insights. Unfortunately we didn’t get the result but we will give it a good bash this week and improve in areas. Everyone is up for it."
On Fogarty impact
"He's one of the best scrum coaches in the world, it’s awesome to have him in and get his expertise. He is very hands on and has been going through videos, reviews, and having those conversations with the forward pack, he’s been great so far."
On preparing for Stormers
"There are tweaks and fundamentals to our game to improve. South African teams are very powerful, strong, fit and combative. They all play to suit that and play a powerful game. They are all playing physical, abrasive rugby with the forwards, combined with electric backs. We have to front up and take them on."
Ethan McIlroy told the briefing that he expects a tough test against the Stormers and that the province needs to tidy up on some of the areas of their play, in order to get a result in Cape Town.
Sharks review
“Looking back and reviewing it, we weren’t at our best. We showed moments where we were together and doing well but small things that we can tweak. I think the word I would use is it was messy at times, we can be a bit cleaner in the game and be a bit more on the same page this weekend coming."
On Richie Murphy
"I’ve really liked what I’ve seen so far, the detail he brings, a new coach for me so it’s good to ask questions about how he sees the game and I’ve enjoyed seeing how he works."
Mood in the team
“There was disappointment in the group, nobody wants to be losing games but you have to park that and not carry that disappointment in. As far as the mood goes, you have to stay positive."
Stormers threat
"The stormers will be quite similar to Sharks in the way they play rugby. They are big, physical and like to exploit those attacking kicks like the Sharks did. They have explosive, fast, backs, they have good line speed like the national team, we’ll see similar pictures out there. We have to tidy up our end with better accuracy."
David McCann told the media brieifing that the playing group was disappointed after the Sharks defeat but were all focused on the next task at hand against the Stormers in Cape Town.
Sharks reflection
“We need to be more accurate with our phase attack. That means getting into our shape earlier, doing things that bit quicker and be a bit smarter. That’s important to allow for our breakdown to be better.”
Expectations
“It will be a bruising encounter, like it always is when you face the Stormers and any South African side. I don’t think the humidity is as bad as it was in Durban, so hopefully that will be good for us. We’ll hopefully have a bit more energy and power in us. It will be just as physical as Sharks.
Training under new coaches
It’s been enjoyable, some new ideas and a new way of looking at things since they have came in. It gives people energy. I think once we bed these new ideas in and give them time, we'll get to grips with it and we will see that on the pitch. Richie has been clear about what he wants and expects from us. Its up to us to deliver on that."
On taking home points
"The league is so competitive and every point counts. It will be big for us to try and get the win to bring some points back home to Belfast. We need to keep working, get some results and get ourselves into a good position for play-off rugby.”