Share

Sharks boss lauds complete performance

Durban - It is not often that Sharks coach Robert du Preez leaves a Super Rugby match completely satisfied, but he was pretty close following Saturday's 22-10 win over the Stormers at Kings Park. 

The Sharks dominated in all departments and outscored the visitors by three tries to one, and the result means that they have now all but secured the wildcard play-off spot in the South African Group. 

Furthermore, the Sharks are also now just three points behind the Chiefs and the Highlanders in the New Zealand Conference and if they can finish ahead of one or both of those sides, they will avoid a trip to whoever is top of the combined log in the quarter-finals. 

"The guys were fantastic today. That was good. On both attack and defence the intent was fantastic," Du Preez said after the match. 

"Every time we had the ball in hand we kept it and got over the gain line. We were a lot more clinical."

The Sharks had flirted with a bonus point, but in the end fell one try short. 

"To win is more important than the bonus point. If there was a bonus point it would have been great, but we're happy with the win," said Du Preez. 

Despite the Sharks' dominance, the game was in the balance at 15-10 in favour of the hosts before wing Sbu Nkosi broke through in the 62nd minute to send the Durban crown wild and put the game to bed.

It was another superb performance from Nkosi, who has burst onto the Super Rugby stage in recent weeks.

"He was really good tonight. His work-rate is just unbelievable and he's got a big future ahead of him," Du Preez said. 

The Sharks are next in action on June 30 when they host the Bulls and they end their regular season the week after that when they host the Lions. 

It means they have a month off as the tournament breaks for the international window amd Du Preez says the break has come at the right time. 

"This is a typical South African derby so I think the guys really went out to go play. We had something to prove," he said.

"We've been on the go for 13 games in a row so it's good that the guys can have a break now."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1214 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1413 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2142 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE