Planet Rugby

Run-in focus key to Bashford

25th September 2012 18:06

Craig Burden of the Sharks fends off Blues

Unavailable: Craig Burden

The Sharks assistant coach Grant Bashford has warned his men that defeat to the Blue Bulls on Friday would seriously dent their hopes of finishing top of the Currie Cup.

The coastal team was beaten by champions the Golden Lions in their latest outing, going down 28-22 at Coca-Cola Park in Jo'burg on Saturday.

That left them in second position in the current standings ahead of their mouth-watering match-up with the Blue Bulls in Durban this week.

"I think the side that wins all three matches will finish top of the log," Bashford said on Tuesday.

"The top three sides will be playing each other, so it's really important to keep that focus.

"The nice thing for us is two of the three games are at home and we've only lost one at home this year. So we really back ourselves at home against anyone and provided we get it right, we'll be tough to beat at home."

The shortened six-team competition this year has left just four points separating the top three, with the Lions (24) currently leading, followed by the Sharks (21) and Western Province (20). The top team is also guaranteed a home final provided they get there.

"The margins for error are very small because there are only six sides in the competition," added Bashford.

"I mean one week you can be in the bottom two and the next in the top four. So it's really important to keep winning because in a shorter competition like this one, because there's not much time to come back."

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  • Currie Cup Fixtures
  • Currie Cup Table
Currie Cup Table
PosTeamPPts
1Sharks1035
2Golden Lions1028
3Western Province1025
4Blue Bulls1023
5Griquas1020