EP’s Elephants must give the Sharks a hostile reception when the sides clash in a SuperSport Rugby Challenge showdown at Kwazakhele’s Wolfson Stadium on Sunday, EP manager Thando Manana said.
The Sharks still have a chance of forcing their way into the playoffs, and EP can expect the men from Durban to throw everything at them from the opening whistle.
In their previous Challenge clash against Western Province at Newlands, the Elephants were sunk by two late tries on their way to a 27-13 defeat.
The Sharks’ massive 82-24 win over Border in their last outing signalled that they will scent blood in the water at Wolfson Stadium.
“We must really give the Sharks a go and I believe they are beatable,” Manana said.
“Most important is that they have never played at Wolfson, so it will be new terrain for them and we should give them a hostile reception not only outside but on the field of play.
“We are expecting up to 8,000 fans and it promises to be a wonderful all day festival. Entry is free and the clubs will be coming together and watching.
EP appreciate all those who have bought into our slogan of being a team of opportunity.”
The EP versus Sharks clash at 2.30pm is the main game of a triple header that starts with a club match between Missionvale and Motherwell at 10.30am.
At noon, the unbeaten South Section log-leaders Western Province will be looking to maintain their unbeaten record when they face Free State.
EP have beaten the SWD Eagles and Border Bulldogs at home, but have fared badly on the road losing to the Boland Cavaliers, Free State and Western Province.
“This is a matter of EP looking to finish off well because many people have said we play well at home but lose away,” Manana said.
“The three away games have been an eye-opener for us in terms of being a complete team and not being able to win away from home. We have learned to prepare the boys well.
“I think in our first game against Boland we travelled with a new team and we played without coach Chumani Booi who was on PRO14 duty with the Southern Kings.
"But we did not disappoint even though we lost and were let down by cynical offences on the day.
“In our last game against WP we played for the full 80 minutes. As a rugby team we have arrived at where we want to be. That is why Sunday’s festival is an important day for is and we want to play for the full 80 minutes.
“This is one of the reasons why I have said it is important that EP are allowed to run as a professional setup and we are slowly building those blocks.
“Last year people would not have said this is where we would be today after that poor season. EP are not lying at the bottom, but fighting to finish off well. We can finish off third or fourth on the South Section log.
“People should support us on Sunday and we want them all to feel part of EP rugby. We have had to find a common ground and we have found it in the heart of the location. ”