Du Preez wants Sharks to focus on basics
Cell C Sharks coach Rob du Preez wants his side to focus on basics ahead of his first Super Rugby match in charge of the Durban outfit.
The Sharks have a date with the Reds in Brisbane on Friday morning and the home team will pose an enormous challenge in the first match of the tournament.
The Reds have some big names in their lineup, including five Wallaby stars, meaning the Sharks will have to be clinical if they are to have a chance of winning away from home.
Du Preez seems all too aware of the threat the Reds will pose but he is more focused on his own team’s development. The Sharks boss wants his charges to build a platform and is confident that they will be successful if they focus on their fundamentals.
“We just want to make sure that we start with the basics in place, for me it’s all about that. We have a plan in mind medium to long term but for now we really need to get the basics right, then I think the team will blossom. Once we make sure our set pieces are sorted out and our breakdowns are looked after, the team will play. There’s a lot of talent here,” the coach said.
The Sharks will carry some continuity into the clash, with the starting XV almost unchanged from the two preseason hit outs against the Cheetahs and a Bulls XV. They grabbed two easy victories but more importantly started to rekindle combinations from last season.
“It was really important to try create and keep that continuity going. There’s not a lot to choose between the bench and the guys that are starting and that is what we always wanted, strong competition in the squad,” Du Preez said.
The coach was also confident that the younger players and new recruits have adapted well to the Sharks culture.
“There really is a nice spirit in the team. I said to the guys, on tour the number one thing is team work. They’ve really become part of the team and they are enjoying it so far.”
While Du Preez brushed off questions of his own nerves ahead of his first Super Rugby season in charge of the Sharks, he did pay tribute to Springbok wing Lwazi Mvovo, who will earn his 100th Super Rugby cap.
“Lwazi is a role model for all the young guys. He’s had a fantastic preseason and I’m expecting big things from him this season. I’m so pleased for him on his 100th Super Rugby cap, that’s a massive achievement,” Du Preez said.
The Sharks face the Reds at 11h00 on Friday morning - South African time.