Sharks captain Andre Esterhuizen focused on consistency ahead of URC playoff run

The Durban franchise is in tenth place on the URC table, seven points off the eighth-placed Bulls, who occupy the final playoff spot.

What's in the Sharks' favour is that that their final four matches of the league phase are 'easier' than others, as they face Ospreys and Edinburgh away, then return home for fixtures against Benetton and bottom dwellers Zebre.

The issue for the Sharks is that they have not travelled well. While they managed to upset the Stormers in Cape Town in January, their last URC win in Europe was back in October against the lowly Scarlets.

Esterhuisen is acutely aware that it's a trend they will have to reverse, starting on Saturday against Ospreys, if they have any hopes of making the top eight.

"We know we need to win all four games ahead so the group doesn't lack motivation," said the Springbok behemoth.

"We had some good chats and training sessions, and we're looking forward to the challenge ahead in these two away games.

"We haven't been at our best on the road this season, but it's something we're looking to rectify.

"The key message to the group is consistency. It's something we've been lacking this season.

"Consistency in performance and not necessarily results, so we're driving to get a good performance under the belt, and we know if we're performing well, we've got a good chance of securing victory.

"Ospreys are a tough side to play, especially at their home ground. They're a physical side that likes to move the ball around, so we're looking forward to the challenge ahead."

With the Sharks having been bundled out of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup, it's all hands to the pump for the business end of the URC season for the Durbanites.

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