Share

Intention and effort key for Sharks coach

Durban - Although the Sharks started their Currie Cup campaign on a high with a resounding 33-10, bonus point victory over the Pumas last Friday, coach Robert du Preez cautions that they still have plenty of work to do.

Last year, the Pumas - also in Nelspruit and also in round one - outmuscled the Sharks 33-24 to claim a morale-boosting win. Not so this time when lessons learned were taken on-board and not repeated.

“I think it was a good start although there are still quite a few things to work on and we need to improve, every week,” Du Preez told the Sharks’ official website.

“Intention and the effort: those are the two most important things, and if we do make mistakes, that’s fine because you can’t play the perfect game, but I am happy with the intent and the effort that the guys showed.”

Although there was an outstanding effort from a pretty established pack who asserted themselves and really dominated (in particular, the scrums), and never allowed themselves to be bullied, the backline was a rather young one.

Curwin Bosch (flyhalf and later fullback), centre Lukhanyo Am, Neil Maritz on the wing and Innocent Radebe coming on as replacement flyhalf were all playing in their first Currie Cup campaigns at senior level and Du Preez gave a thumbs’ up to their contribution.

“I thought the youngsters came through fine. It’s still a long road ahead but I was happy. The Pumas in Nelspruit is a tough proposition, so, from that point of view, I was happy.

“It was a really tough game, at half-time they were still in the game; it wasn’t easy and I’m pleased with that.”

This Friday night the Sharks host Griquas at Kings Park and Du Preez admits that winning at home is crucial.

Not only does Du Preez want his team to play well, but also play entertaining rugby.

“We’ve got to set the standard; we started well but we have to improve and we’re here at home. I know, having played here myself representing the Bulls, this was always a difficult place to come and play, and we want to make it like that for visiting teams and play in a way that attracts the fans back to the stadium.”

Any suggestion that heaping praise on Griquas is merely sprouting off platitudes should be tempered with the fact that the men from Kimberley finished runners-up to Western Province in the Currie Cup Qualifiers and will definitely come to Durban with a point to prove.

“Griquas are a very tough side, very physical and we’re going to have to bring our A game to beat them.”

Kick-off for Friday night’s game is scheduled for 19:10.

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!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2243 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