Western Force coach Michael Foley says the Sharks’ decision to rest a host of their best players this weekend shouldn’t be viewed as a slap in the face for his side.
Star Springboks trio Cobus Reinach, Marcell Coetzee, and Pat Lambie have all been given the week off, while captain Bismarck du Plessis is suspended after kicking an opponent in the face.
Under an agreement with the South African Rugby Union, all Springboks players must be rested at some point during the Super Rugby season in order to keep them fresh for the World Cup.
But Foley doesn’t feel aggrieved that the Sharks chose Saturday night’s match against the Force in Durban to implement the restings.
“If we are going to be motivated by those external things, there’s a problem for us,” Foley said.
“Anything that potentially dilutes the focus (of how we want to play) is dangerous for us.
“We’re a relatively young team, and we’re certainly here to win.
“We’ve got to stay focused on the things we can control, and not let any of that type of thing cloud our view and focus.”
Foley said the fifth-placed Sharks remained a formidable outfit even without some of their first-choice players.
“They’ve replaced Pat Lambie with with Francois Steyn at flyhalf,” Foley said.
“They haven’t gone searching for a local club gem to put in there ahead of Lambie.
“The South African teams have incredible depth.
“When you look at their team on paper, you’d be silly to think that it’s going to be anything other than a big challenge for us.”
Steyn was initially cleared of dangerous player against Chiefs five-eighth Aaron Cruden, but SANZAR have appealed the decision.
The appeal was scheduled to be heard on Friday, but has now been moved to next Tuesday, freeing Steyn to play against the Force.
The Force’s finals hopes hang in the balance following a five-match losing run.
But Foley was heartened by the team’s performance against the Bulls in Pretoria last week, when the Force ran in three tries to one before losing 25-24 to a last-minute penalty.
Larry_Parallelogram
Guest
Another silly article similar to the Rebels article earlier in the week. Since the S15 is now a conference system, getting in the top two of your conference is critical. Therefore the local derbies are more important, because if you win you not only advance you placing in your home conference but also hurt the chances of the team you beat in the same conference. When you play teams from other conferences the same dynamic doesn’t exist as they are in a different conference. Therefore the local derbies are effectively worth double points. The NZ and SA unions are requiring their S15 teams to rest national players and so the sensible thing for them to do is to rest the payers when they play teams from other conferences.
Magic Sponge
Guest
At least the force may win the nrc, I doubt they will win another s15 game. Could they reduce the home ticket price $35 for a stand up ticket is ridiculous and $50 for a seat to watch a losing side is crap marketing. The mining boom is over get with the times.
Charging Rhino
Roar Guru
This is silly. Trying to make something out of nothing. The reason is SARU has instructed that the Boks need to be rested after 5 games. So the Sharks don't really have a choice. It's not a snub. If Gold had his way then all 3 would be in the starting team.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Aren't they saying they aren't offended? Teams rest players in a WC year. Whether it is of benefit or not is yet to be determined. But the media will pick each time up and run with it, posing questions like these to opposition coaches.
ben
Guest
What a load.....so coaches should always pick their best players .....just in case they offend the other team.
Common Sense
Roar Rookie
Well, the snub angle didn't do the Rebels much good. Best they focus on playing the game opposed to being offended for no reason.