Passion key in Sharks win over Jaguares

The Sharks travelled across the Atlantic Ocean on the back of a poor performance against the Rebels which in ended in a draw last week. Coach Rob du Preez had been their harshest critic after that match and the pressure was on the Sharks to go to Argentina and get a win in one of the most hostile environments in Super Rugby.

The turnaround from their performance against the Rebels was remarkable as the Sharks players played physical, direct rugby, beating the Jaguares at their own game. The hallmark of the performance was the fire the visitors showed and Du Preez said that was the difference between the sides on the day.

“We knew before we went to Argentina that it was going to be a very tough assignment. We obviously wanted to put right the very disappointing performance we had against the Rebels. We always knew we would need to play with a lot of passion and courage, that for me was the most important thing apart from being technically correct. Passion was the big driving force behind our victory,” the coach said.

The Sharks did themselves a massive disservice by drawing with the Rebels at home a fortnight ago, as they walked away with just two log points where they should really have claimed a bonus point win. Their victory over the Jaguares did a lot to make amends as they put an eight point buffer between themselves and the Argentinians in the second African conference.

“The game had a huge significance in regards to where we are on the log at this stage. We’re obviously pleased that they didn’t get a bonus point,” Du Preez said.

The Sharks are back at home this weekend before a couple of games on the road. They host the Force, before taking on the Kings and Sunwolves on the road which will really test their resolve and depth.

“Every game is going to be important now, it just showed once again that there are no easy games in this tournament. You can’t take any side for granted and the Kings have shown how well they’ve played by beating the Rebels by 40 odd points, so the next three games are really going to be important.”

Not looking too far ahead, the Sharks have taken heart from a gutsy win in Argentina and Du Preez says his charges have enjoyed the trip to Buenos Aires.

“The guys are in very good spirits, we had an enjoyable tour and it was important that the guys have fun, it is a daunting place to go play but they made the best of the opportunity.”

Keegan Daniel gets club rugby game time

The Sharks should also be able to select veteran flank Keegan Daniel this week. The 32-year-old got fifty odd minutes of game time for College Rovers in their 41-20 win over Richards Bay on the weekend.

It was Daniel’s first bit of action since he fractured his arm in the Sharks preseason clash against the Cheetahs - which means he could be in the running for selection for the clash with the Force on Saturday.