South African outfit the Sharks sit on the cusp of history, but Director of Rugby Neil Powell knows his team need to be at their best to make it.
Powell's side have already made a bit of history by reaching Friday night's Challenge Cup final; but a win would ensure the Sharks become the first South African side to lift an EPCR trophy since they were invited into the competitions last season.
Speaking to the media ahead of the game, Powell said: “It would be great to make a bit of history by becoming the first South African team to win a European trophy; but I think what will matter most is what happens between the four lines for those 80 minutes (on Friday night).”
He added: “We know we have to be very disciplined; we know that we have to bring a massive effort and stick to how we want to play. Hopefully, if we have put in the effort and we've done what we've discussed and hope to achieve on the field, we will get the reward of lifting that trophy on Friday night.”
Much has been made of the South African side's entry into the EPCR competitions, and not all of it has been positive. Accusations of weakened teams and logistical nightmares have created somewhat of a bad press around their entries; but a win for the Sharks on Friday night could change the noise surrounding them.
“I think the biggest motivation for us is internally with what we want to achieve and where we want to go, not just on Friday night,” Powell continued. “But it is good to have that external motivation of becoming the first South African team to be successful and win a European trophy.”
“It will be really special. I think it's well deserved for a squad and a coaching team that's worked really hard. We're looking forward, we're excited about Friday's night game and we want to be successful.”
In order to make history though, they have to overcome a tough Gloucester side. Despite their form in the Premiership, George Skivington's side have already lifted silverware this season with a Premiership Cup, and they are on a run of 14 wins in a row in cup competitions.
Despite Gloucester's solid form in the cup, Powell thinks his side have ‘the plan' to beat them this weekend.
“I think we're happy with the plan that we've put in place this week,” he said. “Hopefully we can be successful on Friday night.”
Things are mixed on the injury front for the Powell's men coming into the game. Experienced forwards Eben Etzebeth and Vincent Koch are back fully fit; however, they will be without star centre, and captain, Lukhanyo Am this weekend.
Am picked up a shoulder injury in their URC defeat to Benetton two weeks ago, and Powell confirmed his skipper will be out for the rest of the season.
“He's going to be out for a while. I'm not sure the extent of his injury, he's got a shoulder injury that he's struggling with, and I think there's a fractured rib as well. I think it's probably the end of the URC and EPCR campaign for him.”
“It's always a big loss when you lose one of your international players and also your captain,” Powell continued. “I think Lukhanyo has been really good for us this season; and you want your senior, your more experienced players to be available for selection. It is a bit of a big loss for us.”
