Unpredictable Toulon to test Sharks

 

The Sharks are in the latter stages of their preparation for a Super Rugby campaign that kicks off against the Cheetahs on February 14.

 

They will face a Toulon side famous for its big names and dominating style of rugby as a warm-up match in order to get their systems and structures right.

 

However, Horak is of the opinion that the famously unstructured and star-focused Toulon side will be the right preparation for the Sharks to be able to face anything.

 

"The beauty of them [Toulon] is that they are are so star-studded that I don't think they are that structured," Horak said.

 

"It is not something you can look at and say 'this is the exact threat that is coming', you are going to have to cover many threats because they are a world class team with world class players."

 

Horak has however noted that Toulon do have a number of devastating ball runners that can punch holes in his team's defence.

 

"Toulon have got good carriers," he continued.

 

"They have got big carriers all over the park in Juan Smith, Mathieu Bastareaud and the likes, devastating carriers. 

 

"They are quiet a direct team."

 

The Sharks may be playing their warm-up match in France during the middle of their winter with conditions they will not be used to, but the defensive coach is hoping his team can adjust to the slower game that is played in the Northern Hemisphere.

 

"In the Northern Hemisphere the ball is wet and the grounds are heavier," Horak said of the conditions they are likely to expect in France.

 

"The passes are a little bit slower, here in South Africa, with the way they blow the game, quick ball is everything."