Du Preez relishing Super Rugby challenge

The 53-year-old was appointed as the new head coach of the Sharks Super Rugby franchise last October, replacing Gary Gold, who was only in charge for two seasons.

Du Preez, who played for the Sharks in the 1990s, previously coached local club sides the Crusaders in 2010 and College Rovers (between 2011 and 2013) before moving back to his hometown of Potchefstroom where he took the reins at both the Leopards and NWU-Pukke.

After the Leopards won the First Division title in 2015, Du Preez joined Gold's coaching setup as an assistant coach for the 2016 Super Rugby season and then took over as head coach for the following Currie Cup tournament.

However, Du Preez admits being a head coach at Super Rugby level is a different beast, but it is something he is also relishing. 

"It is a challenge, it is a challenge for any coach at this level," Du Preez told reporters in Durban. 

"We are going to take it one day at a time. I am looking forward to it. I think the squad is looking forward to the challenge as well."

Du Preez said he was happy with the fitness levels of his players after they returned to training after the Christmas break 

"I am happy. It was a long pre-season so the guys had a well-deserved break in December. They came back and the tests were all good."

He added: "I think, what's really been pleasing is that the youngsters we brought into the Super Rugby squad have really performed well on the training field and they brought a nice energy and they are going to push hard for places in the team and that is what excites me."

Meanwhile, the Sharks will avoid the New Zealand sides in this year's league phase and they will instead do battle with Australia's five franchises.

Many feel that playing Australian teams is a much easier task. However, Du Preez says they will not be taking them lightly.

The Sharks open their campaign with a match against the Reds (February 24) in Brisbane before travelling to Canberra to take on the Brumbies (March 4). They then fly back to Durban to face the Waratahs (March 10) at Kings Park.

"Our travel schedule is a little bit easier this year," said Du Preez. "Our first two games are in Australia. We play the Reds and then the Brumbies after that, but it is going to be a tough challenge. 

"The Reds have put together quite a strong team and there is no doubt in mind it is going to be a very strong challenge in that first game."

@rugby365com