Joey Mongalo © Gallo Photos
Hollywoodbets Sharks defence coach Joey Mongalo received’t disguise from the truth that the Vodacom United Rugby Championship is his group’s principal focus proper now, however he says the Durban group will do their finest to indicate respect to the EPCR Problem Cup competitors they received final 12 months.
At this stage of the 2023/2024 season, the Sharks had reached the purpose the place as a result of they had been out of the operating within the URC they had been throwing every part into one basket.
Profitable the Problem Cup was the one manner for them to qualify for the celebrated Investec Champions Cup, a purpose they achieved, however they sacrificed a number of URC video games alongside the way in which.
This 12 months it’s the different manner round, with the Sharks’ place within the prime 4 of the URC inspiring them to go all out to win that trophy, one thing they may have an opportunity of doing in the event that they end of their present place or greater and get to host a quarterfinal.
It isn’t a secret that the Sharks can be decidedly underpowered for Sunday’s EPCR spherical of 16 conflict in Lyon, with a lot of the Sharks’ focus being on a vital two match URC tour that kicks off in simply over two weeks.
NEXT GAME ⏭️#ChallengeCup #LYOvSHA pic.twitter.com/05K1ChzgS7
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) April 1, 2025
The Sharks reached their purpose of constructing the Champions Cup by successful the Problem Cup final Could, however Mongalo admits that the twin focus caught them out a bit and that’s the reason the Sharks are again within the secondary Problem Cup and never taking part in for the primary prize.
“I believe it’s one thing that (South African) groups are nonetheless attempting to determine,” mentioned Mongalo of the problem of taking part in in two competitions and the obstacles created by the logistical calls for.
“We’ve obtained to think about Edinburgh and Ulster in two weeks’ time, however on the similar time we’ve obtained to honour an excellent high quality competitors that we mustn’t neglect we’re the defending champions of. Though you’re taking part in in two competitions, you’re nonetheless one squad. So a high quality efficiency in Lyon will give us confidence for our subsequent fixture, be that towards the Ospreys or Scarlets (in a Problem Cup quarterfinal) or towards Edinburgh within the URC.”
The Sharks are due in Edinburgh lower than two weeks after Sunday’s sport, therefore the Sharks’ resolution to go under-strength to Lyon, with Mongalo understood to be guiding the group that performs on Sunday whereas head coach John Plumtree places most of his concentrate on the final section of the league section of the URC.
The Sharks are coming off the frustration of a sport they dropped at their house floor of Hollywoodbets Kings Park, with the visiting Leinster group rising as 10-7 winners in a decent URC sport.
NO MICKEY MOUSE TEAM
Nevertheless, Mongalo believes that whereas the loss was disappointing it wasn’t a motive to press any panic buttons.
“We’re a gaggle that places issues in context. That group we performed towards, no matter them lacking their Eire internationals, was a high quality group. You noticed that at Loftus the week earlier than when the Vodacom Bulls needed to kick a last-minute penalty to beat them,” mentioned Mongalo.
“There have been fairly a number of constructive factors we took from that sport. Our kicking sport and sport administration had been 9 out of 10. On assault we created a complete lot of alternatives, we simply didn’t execute sufficient of them. So it’s in all probability extra about our ending than our precise assault.
“And defensively I assumed the boys put in some good units. There was a three-minute defensive set on our tryline, which says lots about this group. How the gamers are rising and the way they look after one another.”
Lyon misplaced to Bayonne within the High 14 final week however the sport was performed away from house.
On their house discipline Mongalo is aware of they are going to be a really totally different proposition.
“Everybody is aware of that within the High 14 it’s the house groups that are likely to win, even those that are struggling,” he mentioned.
“They place an enormous emphasis on successful house video games and take big satisfaction in it. We all know we are able to count on a hostile crowd and a fired up Lyon group that can be passionate. We all know what’s coming and can make sure that we’re mentally prepared for it.”
Get to know Lyon Olympique Universitaire Rugby forward of Sunday’s conflict 🙌#ChallengeCup #LYOvSHA pic.twitter.com/yR4bhquL3Z
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) April 2, 2025
Lyon are actually no Mickey Mouse group although this 12 months they discover themselves languishing within the Problem Cup quite than competing for the primary European prize within the Champions Cup like they did the earlier two seasons.
“Like a typical French group, Lyon have loads of aptitude, and have X-factor gamers, significantly within the backs. Their forwards are additionally massive models, which is able to assist them within the set-pieces. They’re a robust scrummaging group and likewise maul fairly effectively.”
The Sharks group can be introduced as per EPRC tips on Friday afternoon however it’s anticipated many of the frontline gamers can be sitting this sport out to organize for the URC tour later within the month.
The Sharks journey to Lyon within the #ChallengeCupRugby Spherical of 16 🦈
Listed below are a few of their finest tries from the pool stage of the #InvestecChampionsCup this season 💥
📺 Kick-off at 18:30 on Sunday afternoon. pic.twitter.com/PD3htWamyw
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) April 2, 2025
