Du Preez’s Sharks seeking momentum

Much importance has been attributed to the Sharks’ Super Rugby match against the Stormers at King’s Park in Durban today but, in truth, with both teams’ destinies almost certainly decided, the Cape visitors are merely playing for bragging rights and the hosts to try and get some consistent momentum to take into the play-offs.

The Sharks have eight more points, having played an extra game than the Stormers but are 13 points behind the Lions in their conference and doomed to take the third qualification place from the SA Group, with their closest challengers, the Jaguares, 14 points behind them but with a game in hand.

The Stormers are 15 points ahead of the Bulls and almost guaranteed to host a quarterfinal in this competition format.

Sharks coach Robert du Preez nevertheless wants his team to bring Test match intensity to the clash.

“We know the importance of this match, I’m sure it will bring out the best in the players, it will be like a Test match. Hopefully our perfect game is coming this weekend and these last three games are really important for us to get some momentum going,” Du Preez said.

The Stormers, and especially their backline, are being talked up again by the Cape media after one fortunate win over the Blues, but Du Preez is being wisely cautious about their pack.

“We know what the Stormers will bring, they have a really good pack, a dominant scrum and their driving maul is very good. They will play given the opportunity, so we have to be really sharp, we have to stop their big guys coming around the corner,” Du Preez said.