Watch VideoRefreshed Sharks target Lions scalp to fuel United Rugby Championship playoff push

Veteran Sharks prop Vincent Koch welcomed the couple of weeks off to refresh their bodies and minds ahead of their United Rugby Championship clash against the Lions. The Sharkshead into this weekend’sUnited Rugby Championshipderby against theLionswith a renewed sense of purpose and refreshed minds following a timely two-week break. After a gruelling block of fixtures that culminated in two magnificent back-to-back victories over the Stormers, the Durban-based franchise is now eyeing a climb up the log to secure a crucial playoff spot.

Springbok prop Vincent Kochbelieves the hiatus came at the perfect time for a squad that had been mentally and physically drained by the two brutal South African derbies against the Stormers, which saw them finally break their hoodoo against their coastal rivals. “After the Stormers game, we had a two-week break in which we got a few days off,” Koch noted. “Mentally, I think the players definitely needed a break.

Those two games were physically demanding and mentally draining, so the rest and the break time with family was very important to refocus.” Since regrouping late last week, the message from the coaching team has been one of clinical focus. The Sharks are well aware of the reality of their position on the log, and the goal remains a firm push into the top eight. The Sharks are one point behind the eighth-placed Ospreys and will move into the playoff positions if they can avoid defeat at Ellis Park.