By Lucky Vince Pienaar
It is clear, and it has been obvious for a few matches, that the Sharks totally depend on Eben Etzebeth.
When he is playing well, the team plays well, when he is playing badly, the entire team takes a backward step – and that includes some of the best players in the country like Bongi Mbonambi, Aphelele Fassi and Siya Masuku.
Sadly, it reflects badly on the coach.
Coaches (in this case, John Plumtree and Neil Powell) should not have to depend on players to lift the team.
French rugby has the same problem. Fabien Galthié and the team itself lean heavily, too heavily, on Antoine Dupont.
Whether Dupont is the best player in the world, as millions of fans suggest, is a different topic, but it is undeniable that the team look to him – and not the coach – for their motivation.
The Springboks, thankfully, do not look to Siya Kolisi to give them their punch. They have the coaches and the team itself to keep them on the winning path.
On Saturday, the Sharks were playing positive, attacking rugby and seemingly heading for victory. But then Etzebeth went off injured and the Sharks were once again in cruise mode.
From leading by two tries to none, they let in two Benetton tries and the Sharks were suddenly trailing the Italian team.
When hardworking Werner Kok scored two tries, the Sharks were back in the lead, but Benetton scored their third try, wining the match by one point.
Running rugby and close scores make for exciting rugby, but only if both teams are at their best.
Hollywoodbets Sharks 24-25 Benetton
Tries: Sharks: Aphelele Fassi, Ox Nche, Werner Kok (2)
Benetton: Tommaso Menoncello, Gianmarco Lucchesi, Jacob Umaga
Pictured above: Eben Etzebeth
Image source: @sportsbull1
