Du Preez happy with the Sharks’ progress

DURBAN: Sharks coach Robert du Preez was asked about a potential try-scoring situation in the 40-10 loss against the Crusaders that dumped them out of the competition. It had to do with an overlap, on advantage, that the Sharks had for what looked a certain try. The try did not come, and it summed up the Sharks’ season.

Throughout the season, when the Sharks have been beaten, it has often come down to them not taking their chances, and by extension, not being patient enough to hold onto the ball.

“Not quite there,” Du Preez mused about the Crusaders game. ”We just can’t keep the patience going, but that is a sign of a young growing team but I am proud of the boys, they put in a good effort.”

Indeed, looking at the positives for the season, the Sharks have put a lot of work and effort into cultivating their youngsters, with many of them going on to pick up Springbok honours. However, on the negative side, as Du Preez notes, the foundation needs some time to mature. The team dynamic of the Sharks was one marred by inconsistencies all season.

One needs to remember back to game two, against the Waratahs, which ended in a draw despite the Sharks being in full control of that match. However, a very similar team took on the Hurricanes in Napier and were unlucky not to pick up the four points in a performance that should be labeled their best of the year.

The bigger the game, the bigger the performance for the Durban-based side – this was often the mantra through 2018. Of course, their biggest game, against the Crusaders, was a bridge too far.

“No, I don’t think anyone will beat this team,” Du Preez said of the Crusaders, who march into the semifinals. “They attack well, defensively they are good.”

It leaves the Sharks in an interesting position heading into next year’s season. They will hold onto a lot of their players thanks to their wave of contract extensions this year, and they will have blooded these youngsters through a season of ups and downs.

They also have the Currie Cup coming up, which will allow some of the fringe players to boost their game and add to the depth of the squad in Durban.

But, results will need to be more forthcoming from the KwaZulu-Natal side in 2019. Building can not be a continuous process in professional rugby, especially for a team with so many gifted individuals.