Neil Powell hopes the Sharks’ season will be boosted by their victory over Oyonnax.
The Sharks’ victory over Oyonnax guaranteed them a spot in the Challenge Cup’s last 16.
Neil Powell, the director of rugby for the Sharks, is hopeful that the team’s 38-7 victory over Oyonnax, a Top 14 team, in the Challenge Cup will be the game that turns things around for them this season.
With just one victory in nine games, the Durban-based team is currently in the United Rugby Championship’s bottom after a challenging season.
The players and coaching staff have something to aim for this year, though, thanks to the Challenge Cup. Lukhanyo Am and Jeandre Labuschagne each scored two tries, Ox Nche and Makazole Mapimpi scored one try apiece, and flyhalf Curwin Bosch booted eight goals to lead the team to victory against Oyonnax on Saturday.
“Much-needed victory”
Despite putting up a subpar effort, the Sharks pulled off an incredible victory, which their manager hopes will help them advance farther in the season.”The victory is the greatest plus; it’s exactly what we needed.” Although it was by no means flawless, Powell added, “it laid the groundwork for us to improve on in the next game.”
We won’t delude ourselves into believing that was their strongest squad, but as I mentioned before, it’s a much-needed victory for us and a solid base from which to grow.We entered the game with the intention of laying a solid foundation, and I believe we succeeded. With any luck, this marks the end of our season,” he remarked.
wanting to place highly
The victory over Oyonnax also guaranteed the Sharks a spot in the Challenge Cup’s knockout rounds. Next Sunday, the Sharks will face the Dragons away in their last pool match. They will be looking to win in order to finish first in Pool 1.
Powell wants the squad to place first so they have a strong chance of winning and moving on in the competition.”I believe it’s imperative to win since the majority of your knockout matches—including your home final 16, quarterfinal, and semifinal will take place at home.
“I do think if you want to go to the final of the Challenge Cup or Champions Cup, you need home knockout games and that’s what we’ll be fighting for when we go to the Dragons,” said Powell.