Back to work for busy Sharks
Youth, experience a good mix – Du Preez
THE business end of the Sharks’ pre-season is truly upon them. There are just six weeks to go before they jet off to Brisbane to play the Reds, and in obvious Durban-style, the training has been hot.
The squad returned from their end-of-year break and have had a full week of January heat to burn off the Christmas turkey; this coming after seven weeks of training in November and through December.
Coach Rob du Preez, now in his first year at the helm of a Super Rugby side, stressed the importance of conditioning in the first six weeks, and nothing has changed in 2017.
“I am happy with the shape the guys have come back in,” Du Preez said.
“They came back and the tests were all good, one or two off the pace, but generally very happy.”
All the work done over these 14 weeks of grind in the sun will come to a point when they run out on to the Suncorp Stadium to face the Reds on February 24.
For Du Preez, the opening games in Australia are a bit irksome, but it is a vast improvement from last year’s schedule.
“Our travel schedule is a little easier this year,” he admitted.
“We have the first two games in Australia, against the Reds and Brumbies. It will be a tough challenge over there. The Reds have put together quite a strong team – there is no doubt that first game will be a good challenge.”
However challenging the first game will be, the coach is upbeat and happy with his team, as well as the preparation, but most importantly, he is happy his youngsters in the squad are pushing hard to make his selections a real headache.
“What has really been pleasing is that the youngsters who have been brought into the Super Rugby squad have really performed well on the training field. They have brought a nice energy, and are going to push hard for places in the team. That is what excites me.
“There is a good spirit in the team,” Du Preez added.
“Hard work and discipline have brought the guys together. It is always good to have that balance of experience and youth in the team.”
The Sharks will continue to toil together in an extended training squad for a good few weeks before the Super Rugby squad is selected to do duty in this important year for the Union’s growth.
Du Preez is new to this, and no doubt a few new stars will also be given the chance to shine, especially after a good Currie Cup showing from the likes of Inny Radebe, Curwin Bosch and Lukhanyo Am.