Sharks boss during a URC training session. Image: Steve Haag/Gallo Images.
Sharks boss pins first half yellow card for URC exit
Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell believes that the two yellow cards the team picked up in Dublin combined to bring them down.
Sharks boss during a URC training session. Image: Steve Haag/Gallo Images.
Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell believes that the two yellow cards the team picked up in Dublin combined to bring them down.
The Sharks bowed out of the URC with a 35-5 loss in Dublin despite scoring first.
Sharks boss says discipline let them down
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After a brilliant break from Grant Williams gave the Sharks the lead they handed the impetus back to Leinster.
“We had a great start but, unfortunately, the yellow card we conceded in the first half was costly,” said Powell after the contest.
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“They scored two tries in that time. Even at half-time, the guys still had the belief that we can be competitive in the second half and have a chance to be successful.
“But it came down to opportunities: the one just before half-time, even three points would have made a difference as it would have taken us to within two scores instead of three.
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“It’s small things in a game that give you belief and momentum and get you into a positive mindset. We just weren’t clinical enough.
“We missed a few opportunities in the first and second half. If you concede two yellow cards against a quality side like Leinster, they are going to punish you for it.
“They actually scored three tries in the 20 minutes we only had 14 players on the field.”
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Giving it away
Powell admitted that it was frustrating to get sucked into making mistakes despite knowing what to expect when facing Leinster.
“They’re a quality side. Any mistakes on your side, they get on top of you and punish you for it,” said Powell of Leinster.
“We looked at the last few games they played, except for the ones they played in South Africa and it’s amazing how they always put pressure on a team to concede yellow cards.
“Coming into this game, in the last four games, they forced the opposition to concede seven yellow cards.
“The only team that didn’t concede a yellow card was the Stormers in their 22-all draw. We knew they play a pressure game that forces you to make mistakes.
“They did it to us again tonight and it was a bit frustrating. But that’s how good they are as a team.”
