Fitter Sharks ready for battle
THE SHARKS’ preparation for the 2017 Super Rugby season looks to be on track, with two weeks to go before their first assignment (February 24) against the Reds in Brisbane, Australia.
A zestful and powerful performance in a warmup match played against last season’s Currie Cup champions, the Cheetahs, last week would have pleased the team’s handlers.
That match, which was a collaboration between the eThekwini Municipality and Sharks, was played at Umlazi’s King Zwelithini Stadium, in an attempt to take the game to the masses.
And the result would have been a nice advert for the game as the Sharks stormed to a 35-7 victory.
During scrum time, the Sharks looked monstrous, with Coenie Oosthuizen and Zimbabwean-born Tendai “The Beast” Mtawarira dominating proceedings, and the backline looked pacey.
The Cheetahs’ try came at a time when the Sharks were reduced to 13 men because two Sharks players had been sinbinned for engaging in overrobust play.
Coach Robert du Preez said: “We have had an extended preseason programme after our dismal 2016 campaign.
“Our fitness levels have improved greatly, and I was impressed with the team’s performance.
“The manner in which we kept the ball in hand is the way we want to play this year.”
The coach conceded there were many handling errors in the Umlazi encounter but accepted that it was the Sharks’ first outing.
“Our line-outs were also big concern and we will spend more time on those aspects of the game.
“There was magnificent vibe playing in Umlazi, and we hope there will be similar games in future,” suggested Du Preez.
He and his team also enjoyed the session of eating shisa nyama (braaied meat) in Umlazi’s V section afterwards.
The Sharks’ next pre-season outing is set for the Crusaders ground in Durban North.
They will tackle the Blue Bulls in a 5pm encounter and entry is free.