Daily Dispatch

Dad is glad Du Preez junior is out

- By KHANYISO TSHWAKU

SHARKS coach Robert du Preez may have one less headache with his Stormersba­sed son not having to face the twins he coaches at the Sharks because of injury.

The Stormers will miss the junior Robert du Preez at flyhalf with a torn pectoral muscle.

The Sharks may be a distant second behind the highflying Lions in the Africa Conference 2 but their 38 points puts the Stormers‚ who lead Africa Conference 1 with 30 points‚ in the shade.

Today’s clash at King’s Park will be the last of the South African engagement­s before the internatio­nal break and Du Preez wants to go out on a high.

“It’s important for us. In the last three games of the campaign‚ it’s important that we get some momentum going‚” Du Preez said.

“I’ve also watched a fair few of the Stormers’ games and I think they’ll miss him [Du Preez junior]. He’s a big loss for them and he has played well

“We know what the Stormers are going to bring. They’ve got a really good pack of forwards and their scrum is very good.

“If you give them an opportunit­y‚ they’ll play so we have to be very sharp defensivel­y.”

The Sharks have made a habit of losing games they’re supposed to win and viceversa.

While they were deservedly beaten by a fired-up Southern Kings‚ they did well to take five points from the Sunwolves.

Du Preez is seemingly accustomed to his side not stringing together two successive performanc­es but they’ve not failed to rise to the occasion. Du Preez wants his side to maintain the intensity they showed against the Sunwolves.

“I’ve also wanted to reward the guys who did well for us against the Sunwo Du Preez said.

 ?? Picture: GALLO IMAGES ?? CLOSE CONTACT: Johan Steyn of the Southern Kings, kicking the ball against the Brumbies this month, will hope to impress against the Lions in their Super Rugby clash at Ellis Park in Johannesbu­rg tomorrow
Picture: GALLO IMAGES CLOSE CONTACT: Johan Steyn of the Southern Kings, kicking the ball against the Brumbies this month, will hope to impress against the Lions in their Super Rugby clash at Ellis Park in Johannesbu­rg tomorrow

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