Norman Laker says the selection of former Stormers Siya Kolisi and Bongi Mbonambi in the Sharks team will make no difference to the Cape side’s preparation for Saturday’s match.
Kolisi and Mbonambi joined the Sharks from the Stormers last year and are expected to start against their former team for the first time as a pair when the sides meet in a Vodacom United Rugby Championship match at Kings Park on Saturday.
Speaking during a media conference on Monday, Laker admitted “it would be funny” to face the duo who had been members of the Stormers team for so long.
“Siya started with us 10 years ago at the institute with Scarra Ntubeni and Eben Etzebeth,” said the Stormers defence coach. “Bongi joined us in 2014 so they have been part of the family for a long time.
“It would be funny to play against both of them at the same time. We respect them as rugby players but it’s a professional game and we have a job do to, so we can’t focus on two old friends.”
Laker added that the backline battle would be instrumental because of the Sharks’ Springbok-laden back division.
“The Sharks have quality players, but we also have really good players,” Laker said. “We have three guys that can play at No 12, two that can play No 13 and one that can be picked at wing or fullback, so we have more than enough firepower to put them on the back foot.
“Yes, the Sharks have brilliant individual players, but it is important for us not to focus on the individual players.”
