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Du Preez twins will be 'phenomenal'

Cape Town - It has been a baptism of fire for the Du Preez twins, Jean-Luc and Daniel, this Super Rugby season.

Still just 20-years-old, the loose forwards have played in eight of the Sharks' nine matches in 2016.

It hasn't been completely in coach Gary Gold's control and injuries to the likes of Marcell Coetzee, Jacques Potgieter, Khaya Majola, Tera Mtembu and Phillip van der Walt have seen the Du Preez brothers play perhaps more rugby than Gold would have liked at this stage of the season. 

One thing that stands out about the Du Preez twins - Daniel in particular - is their physicality. 

While there are no concerns over their abilities to be brutal ball carriers - when the handling doesn't let them down - there is maybe a doubt or two over whether either twin possesses the skill set to be the linking loose forward that the Sharks are looking for in their endeavour to be a constant attacking threat. 

But for seasoned Sharks veteran Jean Deysel, the Du Preez twins are on the right track.

"The Du Preez twins are going to be phenomenal for this union and for me to just be a part of it and pass down knowledge to them ... I really enjoy it," Deysel said from Durban this week.

The 31-year-old Deysel, alongside Keegan Daniel, has had to remain patient this season with Gold backing the youth. 

Deysel, used as a sub against the Chiefs on Friday, has played just 63 minutes in two appearances this season. 

"Competition is never a bad thing. It brings out the best in myself and every guy in your position. You just try and pass on as much as you can. We're really enjoying each other's company as well," Deysel said of his relationship with the Du Preez brothers.

"I've been away from it for a while so just being back is really a privilege. I missed it a bit, so just getting back and getting the feeling of the team and the ball in your hands is great."

Deysel acknowledged that both he and Daniel had been frustrated during the earl stages of the season at their lack of game time.

"There was a bit of frustration in the beginning but we always saw the bigger picture and we knew we'd get a chance," he said.

"The big thing about rugby at a union where the competition is quite tough is that if you get a chance you have to take it with both hands. We're taking it step by step but we're really enjoying it."

The Sharks have reached a critical point in their season and can not afford to slip up at home against the Hurricanes this Saturday if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive. 

Kick-off is at 15:00.

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