Before the November international break, things were going rather swimmingly for the Sharks.
They managed to quite comprehensively and rather easily bounce back from a disappointing loss to Benetton, returning home to sink their teeth into Glasgow and Munster at Kings Park.
They outlasted the defending champions 28-24, before lighting the touch paper to maul the former champions 41-24 respectively.
It was a pity then that the recent Test window interrupted their momentum and rediscovered belief.
On Saturday, at the Shark Tank, the Sharks will have a two-fold objective against the Stormers (5pm kick-off).
The first will be to recapture that winning formula post haste, while the other will be to finally beat the Capetonians in the URC.
Jason Jenkins, who joined the union in June, will be keen to help achieve both those goals.
He was a part of both match-23s in the recent success, while the lock doesn’t carry any of the stigma attached to their losing record against the visitors.
Regardless, Jenkins and Co should be heavily motivated to ensure they come out firing against the visitors.
“Any local derby is always tough,” Jenkins admitted yesterday in a media briefing ahead of the clash.
“It is always a bit more personal. We don’t have a good track record against the Stormers in the URC, and we will be looking to change that.”
As such, Jenkins revealed that the preparation for the clash has been healthy, and the integration of returning players near flawless.
The Sharks, like the Stormers, welcomed back their Springboks this past week.
As such, they can include Test veterans such as Trevor Nyakane, Vincent Koch, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Bongi Mbonambi, Siya Kolisi, Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse, Grant Williams, André Esterhuizen, Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi and Aphelele Fassi in their team.
“It has been really good,” said the 28-year-old second-rower regarding the training sessions with the Boks this week.
“We had two weeks off and then we had a really hard two weeks for the guys that were here, which I think has prepared us well for the number of games ahead.
“The guys that came back, they have slotted in really well. They know their roles. It brings new energy.
“It is all smiles and a lot of laughing, but a lot of focus and emphasis on detail and quality.”
“I want to try and get more involved in games – get my hands on the ball, try and get more carries, and get into as many battles as possible…”
One Bok not expected to be eligible for selection on Saturday is Eben Etzebeth, who is believed to be following concussion protocols after a knock during the recent Wales game.
That opens the way for Jenkins, who continues to have national ambitions, to start alongside Gerbrandt Grobler.
That was the case previously in matches against Connacht, Dragons and Benetton.
Other options in the second row include Emile van Heerden and Corné Rahl, while Vincent Tshituka can also slot in at lock if required.
Jenkins has seemingly not enjoyed a look-in from the Boks since returning to SA, or indeed since 2019, although there have been valid arguments earlier this year to have included him ahead of the likes of Jean Kleyn and Nico Janse van Rensburg.
Nonetheless, the former Munster and Leinster player remains eager to add to his single Test cap, even though he is adamant that it won’t define his performances.
Are you ready for this?😮💨@vodacom #URC #SHAvSTO pic.twitter.com/n4u0LLRp63
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) November 26, 2024
Said Jenkins: “I need to perform on the field, and the rest will always look after itself.
“For me, it is about trying to be consistent and get better… If I can play, and touch wood, stay injury-free, then I am giving myself the best chance.
“I need to make sure I tick all the boxes on my end, and be the best that I can be.”
When asked where he believes he can make the next step, Jenkins added: “I want to try and get more involved in games – get my hands on the ball, try and get more carries, and get into as many battles as possible.
“At times I haven’t done that, and you lose a bit of confidence when you don’t feel a part of the game.
“I see myself as a physical lock,” he continued, “but I like to think that I am an asset in the lineout as well.”
Sharks coach John Plumtree will name his match-23 for the Stormers clash today.
