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Cape Town - Sharks coach Robert du Preez says he can’t see any team from stopping the Crusaders winning this year’s Super Rugby competition.
Du Preez’s Sharks were beaten 40-10 by the Crusaders in the quarter-finals in Christchurch last Saturday.
It was the Crusaders’ 13th win in a row.
They will now host the Hurricanes in the semi-finals this Saturday (09:35 SA time), while in the later semi-final (15:05), the Lions entertain the Waratahs in Johannesburg.
The Crusaders and Lions are favourites to contest the final in Christchurch, but the Sharks mentor doesn’t give the Lions much of a chance.
“The Crusaders are an excellent attacking and defending side and I can’t see any other team beating them. Their set piece is so good, lineout-wise particularly, they scored tries from that and you have to front up physically,” Du Preez said.
“We weren’t quite there and that was the story of our season. We just can’t keep patient. I guess that’s the sign of a young, growing team. But I’m really proud of the boys, they put a big effort in and for that, I’m proud of them.”
The Crusaders beat the Lions 25-17 in last year’s final at Ellis Park and will be aiming for a ninth Super Rugby crown.
