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2009-08-10 14:23
Western Force coach John Mitchell (Gallo)
Christo Buchner
Rustenburg – The Sharks, Stormers and Western Force will prepare for the Super14 series early next year in a mini-tournament in Cape Town.
Western Force coach John Mitchell on Friday confirmed that such a tournament is being planned.
He attended the Currie Cup match between the Sharks and Platinum Leopards in the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, which the defending champions won 44-15.
Although no other details have been revealed, Mitchell said matches between the Sharks, Stormers and his team would take place.
"It will probably be early in January," said Sharks assistant coach Grant Bashford.
"It will be excellent preparation for us to play against quality teams like the Stormers and Force."
"What everybody is looking for in the run-up to the Super14, is serious opposition, so you can see where you stand. It doesn't help if we play against a team we can beat by a 100 points. It won't help us at all."
Mitchell said a visit like that to South Africa could be of great value to him.
"It remains a wonderful yardstick to measure yourself against South African teams."
The Former All Blacks coach also said it was a wonderful stroke of luck to be able to help out at the Sharks over the past two weeks.
http://www.sport24.co.za/Content/Rug...per_14_planned_