Defence coach Joey Mongalo praised a younger Sharks crew after their 34-21 Problem Cup round-of-16 defeat to Lyon at Matmut Stadium on Sunday.
With head coach John Plumtree resting his first-choice gamers forward of a two-match Vodacom URC tour, a second-string aspect was tasked with the defence of the European title the Sharks gained final season.
Whereas the guests took an early 7-0 lead, they trailed 27-7 at half time earlier than ending the match with a two-try flourish.
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“Lyon performed with fairly a robust wind within the first half that gave them territory and possession,” Mongalo stated on Monday. “However within the first 10 minutes of the sport I assumed we confirmed the plan we needed to play and it was very well executed, so I used to be actually pleased with the boys for getting collectively for 3 days and executing a plan so effectively within the first 10, quarter-hour.
“However then the following 20 minutes, I assumed we simply misplaced a little bit of the territory battle. We defended fairly effectively and compelled them to kick on to us, however we weren’t capable of deal with the ball so that they bought numerous bounce balls that gave them 22m entries. They usually have been fairly medical once they bought into our 22 and we may positively have been higher defensively.”
Mongalo believed the Sharks may have pushed for victory had they conceded one strive much less within the first half and dealt with the ball higher within the third quarter.
“With a robust wind [behind us in the second half] we may positively have made an impression,” he added. “You noticed how we have been within the first 20 minutes of the second half, with all of the territory and possession. We had one or two early alternatives that if we had completed, we may have made a shout of it.”
Mongalo stated the expertise of enjoying in France was not with out reward, regardless of the end result.
“Firstly, we needed folks watching us to see that we had a transparent plan and we caught to the plan no matter the scoreboard. Secondly, we needed them to see that we fought for one another and the way a lot we care about one another, the badge and the province. I assumed we did these two issues fairly decently, despite the fact that we didn’t get the end result we needed.
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“I believe the typical age of this crew is 20, 21 or 22, so for these guys to return out right here … everybody who understands rugby is aware of that rugby in France is rarely simple, you don’t get many calls going your method both, so for them to remain within the combat till the top was very spectacular.”
The Sharks now take per week’s break, earlier than enjoying Edinburgh and Ulster on a two-match URC tour.
Photograph: @SharksRugby/X
