At only 21 years of age, Jean-Luc du Preez is a name that has surpassed his relative youthfulness as far as his experience and ability go. Now a regular fixture in the Cell C Sharks team, he proves his worth week in, week out.
He has made the number 7 jersey his own this season, having started every one of the five Vodacom Super Rugby games for the Cell C Sharks on the flank and admits that he is happy with how our team is doing in the Vodacom Super Rugby competition.
“It’s been good so far, four out of five wins is not too bad so we’ve had a good start. We could have made it five out of five if we hadn’t slipped up against the Reds.”
The forwards have been in dominant form to lay the foundation for their wins and he feels that they are in a good place as far as their contribution goes.
“We’re happy with the balance between attack and defence,” he explains. “Last year we were a bit more defensively orientated but we’ve shifted towards a bit more attack this year. I think we’re approaching a complete game much more than before.”
So how far does he believe the team are away from a complete performance that incorporates impenetrable defence, exciting, elusive and successful attack, and accuracy and discipline in every other facet of play?
“After four out of five wins, I think we’re on our way there. We’re not there yet, there is obviously room for improvement, but we working towards it.
“It has been hard losing key, senior players like Keegan Daniel, Pat Lambie and Philip van der Walt to injury, but it’s up to the individual who comes in to step up. You can’t be hesitant, that’s where it’s all about professionalism.”
His twin brother Daniel is back in the mix after a long-term injury and the pair got to hunt together in the Cheetahs match for the first time in many months.
“It was very frustrating for him having to sit on the side-lines for 10 months – I don’t think it’s easy for anyone – but he handled it quite well. I was very happy to be playing alongside him on the field last weekend.”
The win over the Cheetahs came off a solid, at times outstanding, performance, and this weekend will require even more against last year’s losing finalists, the Lions who they meet in Johannesburg on Saturday.
“The Lions have a lot of dangerous players, all around the park, last weekend we slipped up against the Cheetahs on defence a bit, although I think our attack was quite good.
“But we’re looking for a good, complete effort from our boys.”
The post Getting the Balance Right appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
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