Our Cell C Sharks players and coaching staff returned to Growthpoint KINGS PARK this week to resume their pre-season training ahead of the 2017 Super Rugby competition which commences in six weeks’ time.
This is the most gruelling block of the rugby season, when not only are the players pushed to peak physical fitness and conditioning, but they must accomplish their goals in the sweltering, debilitating heat of Durban at the height of summer.
But Head Coach Robert du Preez is pleased with the way his players have come back from their holidays, a sign of the professional attitude embraced by the Cell C Sharks.
“The guys have returned to training after the Christmas break in good shape and I’m happy,” he said. “It was a long preseason, seven weeks, so they had a well-deserved break in December. They’ve come back and been tested and generally I’m happy with the results.”
Casting his eye over the greater squad with an eye to team selection in six weeks’ time, he admitted that there are selection headaches, but the kind that every coach wants: where there is competition for places, making sure that everyone works as hard as possible to impress the coach enough to force his hand at including them in the matchday 23, come the first game in Brisbane against the Reds on 24 February.
“What’s really been pleasing is that the youngsters we brought into the squad have performed well on the training field and they’ve brought good energy. They will push hard for places in the team and that’s what excites me.”
As always, there is a mix of senior players along with new ones or youngsters, and what has helped with the bonding process is the fact that they’re all in the same boat, all out to prove themselves within the context of healthy competition.
“There’s a good spirit in the camp,” he said; “hard work and discipline have really brought the guys together. It’s always good to have that balance between the experienced and young guys in the team.”
One new face that has been seen at training is that of Kobus van Wyk, the formers Stormers centre/wing. Du Preez confirmed that he has already seen action and is raring to go for the Cell C Sharks.
“He played as a medical joker at Bordeaux in France and has recently joined the team and we’re very happy to have him in our set-up.”
Casting his eyes towards everything that they’re working on, the Super Rugby season, he explained that compared to last year. Their travel schedule is a bit easier with the first two games in Australia (last year was New Zealand), against the Reds first then the Brumbies after that, and then returning home to host the Waratahs at Growthpoint KINGS PARK.
“It’s going to be a tough challenge in Australia because the Reds have put together a strong team and I have no doubt they will be a tough team, likewise the Brumbies, also at home.”
The early message he’s delivered to the team is all about putting in the hours to make sure the platform is developed for the challenge that lies ahead.
“For us it’s going to be crucially important to work hard every day. Work hard to improve – that’s the most important thing. Then I’d say the discipline that goes with that, especially in the tough training conditions we have here in Durban at this time of the year. The boys need to look after themselves. They’re putting in hard yards during long training sessions so it’s important that we minimise any niggles that we might pick up.”
Of his own challenge – this being his first coaching season at Super Rugby level – he feels he is in no different position than anyone else, but that he is excited for what is coming.
“It’s a challenge, a challenge for any coach at this level, but we’re taking it one day at a time and everyone, is looking forward to the challenge.”
The post Back to Work appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
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