Du Preez upbeat as Sharks score seven past Sunwolves
Sharks (24) 50 Sunwolves (3) 22
The Sharks leave today for Canberra to play the Brumbies for the first leg of their four-match overseas tour, and they could not have had a better morale boost than yesterday’s half-century win over the Sunwolves.
The Sharks had entered the thirdround fixture having garnered just three points from a possible 10 from matches against the Lions and the Waratahs – they had a bye in round two – and a full house five points was non-negotiable ahead of their tour
The Sunwolves were never going to be a pushover and coach Robert du Preez was pleased with the seven-tries to three victory.
“It was vital that we went away with the result, the performance is important but even more important was getting the result,” the coach said. “It was never going to be an easy game but we did very well in the set pieces and our breakdown work was very good.”
Wing Makazola Mapimpi was rested against the Waratahs and came into the side for Kobus van Wyk and struck twice to continue his superb scoring record.
The first half saw the Japanese enjoy territorial advantage but the Sharks showed tenacity on defence and then built momentum on counter-attack to build try-attacking opportunities. The Sharks showed patience and from a 24-3 half time lead they overwhelmed the Sunwolves in the second half.
The Sharks’ strong early efforts were handsomely rewarded when within the first ten minutes, Makazole Mapimpi was rewarded with a try from the blindside wing.
Flyhalf Robert du Preez was on song with this kicking boot and the Sharks enjoyed a handy 10-0 lead at the first-quarter mark.
The Sunwolves were on top in the second quarter but they could not score and the Sharks broke out along the openside touchline and hooker Akker van der Merwe scored, with Robert du Preez nailing the conversion to give the Sharks a 13-0 at 30 minutes.
“We are just so pleased that our defence was up to it when the Sunwolves came so strongly at us in the first half, and then we could kick on and score tries,” the coach said.
The Sunwolves continued with their attacking resolve but the Sharks defence not only stood fast but counter-attacked, and the tries kept coming.
“We saw some glimpses of what this team can do, we are far from the finished product but we will keep focussing on our weaknesses every day,” du Preez said.
Sunwolves coach Jamie Joseph said that the Sharks are an improved side from last year.
“We were prepared as always for arugged approach from their pack and attacked the set pieces but they were up to it, and they showed some serious gas out wide. I think their midfield (Andre Esterhuzen and Lukhanyo Am ) are a special combination,” the former All Black loose forward said.
“I think they can be serious contenders in this competition but it is vital is that they knock over the Brumbies in Canberra this week. That will give their tour some serious momentum, especially after today’s result.”
Last night coach Robert du Preez evaluated the fitness of his squad and then announced his 27-man touring group that leaves today for Canberra.
Players not available for selection are: Coenie Oosthuizen, Daniel du Preez, Jeremy Ward, Michael Claassen and Philip van der Walt.
“We are looking forward to this tour,” the coach said. “Tours always strengthen team spirit and this win under our belt will give us confidence going into the next four weeks. It’s time for us to stand-up and hopefully we make everyone who loves the black and white proud,” he added. Forwards: Akker van der Merwe, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Franco Marais, Hyron Andrews, Jacques Vermeulen, Jean-luc du Preez, John-hubert Meyer, Juan Schoeman, Ruan Botha, Stephan Lewies, Tera Mtembu, Tendai Mtawaria, Thomas du Toit, Tyler Paul, Wian Vosloo
Backs: Andre Esterhuizen, Cameron Wright, Curwin Bosch, Garth April, Kobus van Wyk, Louis Schreuder, Lukhanyo Am, Lwazi Mvovo, Makazole Mapimpi, Marius Louw, Robert du Preez, Sbu Nkosi