Sharks brace for physical Griquas

The Sharks host the Kimberly outfit in what is their first home game of the domestic tournament. Having opened their campaign with a commanding 33-10 win over the Pumas, the Sharks will be looking to build a head of steam through the opening rounds.

With a core framework of Super Rugby players in the squad providing stability around a number of talented youngsters, coach Rob du Preez was satisfied with their performance.

“I think it was a good start. Obviously there are quite a few things to work on and we need to improve every week,” Du Preez earlier this week.

“The intent and effort are the two most important things. If we then make a mistake that is fine, you can’t play the perfect game. But I am happy with that intent and effort that the guys showed.”

With the Springboks in camp and a number of players having left Durban, a number of young and upcoming stars will be tried and tested this season. The likes of Curwin Bosch and Inny Radebe took centre stage this weekend and Du Preez is happy with their progress.

“I thought the youngsters came through fine. It’s still a long road ahead, but I was happy and I think the Pumas in Nelspruit is a tough proposition –it really was a tough game and at half time you could see the boys were in a game. It wasn’t easy so I’m pleased about that,” the coach said.

Having grabbed a crucial win away from home, Du Preez hopes his side can maintain continuity at home. Du Preez, a former Bulls and Springbok scrumhalf, says that Kings Park was considered a fortress and he wants his side to reassert that notion this season.

“That’s really important. We have to set the standard, we’ve started well now but we’ve got to improve. Here at home, having played here for the Bulls in the early days, this was always a difficult place to come and play. We want to play in a way that attracts fans back to the stadium,” Du Preez said.

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