Sharks coach Robert du Preez has hailed his side’s fighting spirit in their 33-25 win over the Jaguares in Buenos Aires on Saturday.
The Sharks’ victory was all the more special seeing as it came in front of a notoriously hostile crowd and against a team full of
players with international Test match experience.
Following the previous weekend’s disappointing 9-9 draw with the Rebels, du Preez said his team’s performance was ‘one of the worst’ he had ever seen, calling out his senior players in particular for a lack of leadership.
Even Tendai Mtawarira admitted the criticism was warranted and vowed to improve. And according to du Preez they did just that.
“Passion was the big driving force behind our victory,” Du Preez told the Sharks’ official website.
“We wanted to atone for the Rebels game the previous weekend. 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.
“We knew before we went to Argentina it would be a very tough assignment. 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.”
The victory meant the Sharks consolidated second position in Africa Conference 2 and extended their lead over third-placed Jaguares from four to eight points.
“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.”
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