Sharks’ winning run faces big Newlands test
IT WILL be a family affair today (5.10pm) when the Sharks travel to Cape Town for an important Currie Cup clash against Western Province.
Two Durban born-andbred brothers will be going up against each other as Jean-Luc du Preez of the Sharks takes on his older brother, Robert jr. More than that, father and Sharks coach Robert sr will be plotting against his eldest.
It will not be the first time that Jean-Luc and Robert have played against each other. Last year, at Kings Park, Robert put on a flawless kicking display, with two penalties and four conversions, to defeat the Sharks 37-27. However, things could well be a little different this time around, with Robert sr’s influence apparent in Durban.
The Sharks are top of the table, and undefeated, with an exciting attacking game plan being used.
On the other hand, Province have picked up only one win, against the lowly Kings, in their three games.
Robert du Preez sr has been a little coy in building up the battle of his sons, as well as his own battle against his eldest, but passed a veiled compliment to the Province flyhalf.
“Province have a few quality X-factor players in their backline,” he said with a smile.
Allegiances
But the coach also went on to state seriously that this game would be their toughest to date.
He has said before that when it comes to his sons, he is first a father and second a coach. Despite his black and white allegiances, he only wants the best for his sons and does hope that Robert jr has a good game.
Apart from Robert jr, Province do have a number of game breakers, notably Cheslin Kolbe at fullback.
There is another sevens specialist in Werner Kok to keep an eye out for on the wing.
The Sharks have kept their changes to the bare minimum, with only Lwazi Mvovo out from last week, as he returns to Springbok duty.
Whereas the exciting backline battle will be worth the price of admission alone, it is in the forwards where the Sharks are most likely to hold a clear edge.
From the first match, the Sharks’ forwards have been something to behold, and since then they have performed admirably.
The cohesive continuity brought through from Super Rugby has been the rock on which the Sharks’ success has been built.
Du Preez’s words really ring true about the coming match. It is going to be the Sharks’ toughest challenge to date, but it is also one of the most important.
Being undefeated brings with it pressure, but when there is another team in the Cheetahs chasing the Sharks, momentum becomes the key.
Should the Sharks win today, and the Cheetahs overcome the Kings – which is expected – the following week’s clash between the two undefeated teams at Kings Park could give an early indication as to who will lift the Currie Cup trophy this season.