Following on from the first round clash against the Kings that saw the Cell C Sharks rewarded with six well-constructed tries, this past weekend’s tougher, Vodacom Super Rugby clash against the Jaguares, saw just one try scored against the Argentina side.
This was due in part to fewer attacking opportunities presented against a determined, near-on international side, but also the Durban summer heat and humidity which almost never affords teams many scoring opportunities, and fewer tries.
Remarking on the Cell C Sharks’ attacking game, assistant coach Robert du Preez, speaking from experience as a player for this province himself, alluded to the tough conditions.
“I would say our intent was there, but we coughed up too many balls,” he explained.
“We created quite a few opportunities and we should have converted. But this match against the Jaguares was obviously very difficult as far as the conditions go, the ball was very slippery. That’s what you get this time of the year in Durban.”
Seven tries in two weeks suggests that the team’s attack is coming on nicely, although du Preez did suggest that there is still more to work on.
“We’re a work in progress and we’re getting better as we go along. This is a very long season, and so far, for us, it’s been four out of four [including the two pre-season matches against Toulon and Toulouse in France] wins; so it’s been good.
“The boys will take a lot of confidence out of that, but in saying that, it’s going to be very difficult against the Stormers this coming weekend, they pose a huge challenge down in Cape Town.”
Du Preez suggests that with their abrasive forwards and an attacking mindset amongst the whole team, the Stormers and Cell C Shark do not differ too radically at all.
“The Stormers are quite similar to us in how they want to play and their forward pack is highly respected; we certainly do respect them. We are under no illusions as to what lies in wait for us.
“But we’re confident, we will give it our best shot.”
Best efforts are only truly rewarded when there are quality players to implement the game plan, and the former Natal scrumhalf, part of the legendary team of the nineties, believes that the team deserves any gains they make.
“We have a good balance between the youth and some really experienced guys and what Gary and the rest of the coaching team have created with the players is quite special, and we’ll keep working on that.
“The spirit in the camp is really high.”
The post Braving the Tough Conditions appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
Full article here: Sharks Rugby – sbuki1030
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