Sharks forward coach Ettiene Fynn has admitted that the challenges of the 2020 season have made getting setpieces right difficult.
Fynn is charged with ensuring the Sharks have the base for their expansive running game, but saw the scrum, in particular, disintegrate against the Lions.
Penalties conceded at scrum-time contributed to their 27-12 defeat to the Lions on Saturday.
Sharks vow to bounce back from defeat on the highveld
The Sharks forwards expert believes the team can bounce back from the disappointment at Ellis Park where they missed Springbok prop Thomas du Toit.
Testing protocols mean that Fynn and head coach Sean Everitt have been restricted in what work they can do with the team.
The Sharks squad are in for a Christmas day training session, and Fynn says the challenges of the restarted season have necessitated a simplification of training procedures.
“These are incredibly difficult times but everyone is in the same boat, and it has taught us to be fluid,” the former Springbok Prop told IOL. “You have to simplify the process so that it is easier for guys that are coming in.
“To not have the same guys from game to game is the story of the season for a lot of the teams — often it comes down to which team adjusts better on the day,” Fynn added.
“Last week that was the Lions … not us, and we took a bit of strain.”
A quick response
Fynn says the Sharks won’t dwell on their defeat to the Lions last weekend as they look to rebound against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
“You just have to embrace what you have got and celebrate that you are playing — you have got to move on quickly,” Fynn said.
“We can bounce back on Sunday against the Cheetahs. We have top class players in our ranks, and good coaches, and we have shown that we can rise to challenges.
“We have closed the chapter against the Lions. There is no time to feel sorry for ourselves and you will see a strong game from the guys on Sunday,” the Sharks coaching staff member committed.
“You don’t have to tell these players what has to be done, they know … They want to do it for each other.”
The Sharks face the Cheetahs at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Sunday 27 December 2020. The Sharks head into the Christmas weekend in third place on the Currie Cup log.
