Bismarck to get stuck into 'Tahs
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Sharks hooker Bismarck du Plessis is expecting a physical battle against the Waratahs in Sydney on the weekend.
The Sharks are coming off two losses on tour against the Highlanders and the Hurricanes, and Du Plessis is determined to "turn the ship around" with their game against the defending champions on Saturday.
"They’re [the Waratahs] more physical than most of the Australian sides with strong forwards and some outstanding backs who can make magic," Du Plessis said from the team's base in Sydney.
"They are a complete side, and were deserved champions last year.
"We just need to make sure we close down their space and stop the forwards’ momentum."
Not wishing to sugar-coat a loss, Du Plessis admits the team are not prepared to accept losing last weekend to the Hurricanes, or any other weekend for that matter.
Although he believes it was an improved performance Du Plessis said: "We’re certainly not happy with the result [against the Hurricanes], I’d be lying if I said any Sharks player was content to lose a game.
"But our performance was better than the previous three or four weeks, so at least there is that positive to take out of the game."
Indeed it was a step up and while the log reflects a loss, the insights one can draw from the performance on the field suggests more was done right than wrong on the weekend.
"The spirit in our camp is always positive, but it’s tough when things don't go your way," Du Plessis admits.
"This weekend we have another opportunity, that's the beauty of Super Rugby.
"Last weekend we played the top side in the competition and this weekend we’re up against the reigning champions. It doesn't get any easier."
The Sharks record in Sydney is not the most successful and while no-one in the team has ever beaten the Waratahs at their home, he feels that the past counts for nothing, nor can the team use the opportunity to change that record to motivate them.
"I don't think you can take that kind of motivation into any game, especially in a season when you've been under-performing.
"But we do take a lot of confidence out of last week, especially not letting them score as easily as we had in earlier games.
"We crossed their line five times and although we were only rewarded three times, at least we are going in the right direction as far as attack goes.
"We cant really be happy with our performance, but we do take confidence in the improvement, it was better.
"We’re definitely not happy with losing, but we have taken a few steps in the right direction."
"The tour is so much better when you win and we’re definitely not happy with our performances – two losses in our two tour matches so far – that's unacceptable for the Sharks.
"We’re under-performing at this stage and we’re just going to give it all we can this weekend.”
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