The Cell C Sharks kept their record against the Jaguares intact this year when they achieved what has been a rare double against the Argentines when they defeated them in their Vodacom Super Rugby clash on Saturday.
“Passion was the big driving force behind our victory,” said head coach Robert du Preez after a match that could so easily have had a different outcome, given how tough other teams have found Buenos Aires.
Both the Lions and Cheetahs came undone against the Jaguares, in fact this was their first loss suffered at home, where they have created a virtually impregnable fortress. The players warned that it would be hostile there, but for long periods, thanks to their physicality and general fighting spirit, our Cell C Sharks silenced the normally vocal crowd.
After drawing 9-all against the Rebels at Growthpoint KINGS PARK following the bye, our team put in not only a much more determined effort, but were better in everything they attempted.
“We wanted to atone for the Rebels game the previous weekend,” said du Preez, and the 33-25 victory certainly achieved that.
“The guys are in very good spirits, we had an enjoyable tour, it was also important that the guys had fun because it is a daunting place to go and they made the best of this opportunity.”
Of the Jaguares’ matchday 23, 22 had played international rugby, so it wasn’t only a hostile environment our team would encounter at Velez Sarsfield but also a team with battle hardened players from the Test arena.
“We knew before we went to Argentina it would be a very tough assignment, we obviously wanted to put right the disappointing performance we had against the Rebels.
“We always knew we would have to play with a lot of passion and courage; that for me was the most important thing.
“We were also technically correct in play and that also was big.”
Not only did we achieve an important victory, but within the context of Africa 2 Conference, it was vital if the Cell C Sharks were to pull ahead and strengthen a top eight finish overall (to earn a place in the qualifying knock-out rounds).
Pushing their lead over the Jaguares from four to eight points did just that.
“The game (and result) had huge significance on where we are on the log at this stage and we’re also obviously pleased that they didn’t get a bonus point,” du Preez explained.
“Every game is important, and it showed that there are no easy games in this tournament, you can’t take any side for granted. The Kings have shown this, beating the Rebels by 40-odd points and the next three games are going to be really important, starting with this weekend against the Force. Then we have the Kings away, then the Sunwolves away follows.”
The post Passion and Courage appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
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