Brave Sharks are 'heartbroken'
SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks grow in strength when they are on tour and this season is no different.
Robert du Preez’s side came close to causing one of the biggest upsets of the season when they played out a 21-all draw with Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday.
The Sharks were still leading the match after the full-time hooter sounded but a try and a conversion at the death by flyhalf Mitchell Hunt broke the Sharks’ hearts.
“We were left heartbroken in the end, but I mean you can’t really argue with the three tries that they’ve [Crusaders] scored,” said Du Preez.
“We just battled to get our hands on the ball in the second half and territory wasn’t going our way either.
“It was always going to be difficult against a quality team like the Crusaders, trying to keep them out.”
The Sharks’ defence was outstanding during the 80 minutes with players playing out of their skins to try and keep the Crusaders out.
“I think the bench made a good impact when they came on. I’d like to just look at the video again but the last five minutes was really telling.
“I’m really proud of the boys, they put in a big shift with their tackling.
“I think we made over 230 tackles – really dominant tackles at times. I thought that was outstanding,” Du Preez added.
After a win against the Waratahs in Sydney and a draw in Christchurch, the Sharks will be looking to end their tour on a high when they face the Chiefs in Hamilton next weekend.
“I think the way we played over the last two weeks just showed the resolve of the squad. It will be a big confidence boost especially going to Hamilton.
“For some reason the Sharks always like touring. It really gets the boys together.
“I guess there is always some sort of pressure playing at home,” said the Sharks coach.
By Warren Fortune
@FortuneWarren
@rugby365com
