Laporte: Waratahs are the true test
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Toulon coach Bernard Laporte has dismissed the Sharks' 12-10 North-South victory on Thursday, against his team – stating that a match against the Waratahs would be a true championship test.
The Sharks, in preparation for their opening game of Super Rugby, took the match against the undisputed Northern Hemisphere champions as an opportunity to get into a winning habit.
This meant conservatively kicking penalties rather than swinging the ball around.
For Toulon it was a different affair.
To the home side it looked like much more of an exhibition match, sold to the public as a clash between the best teams from each hemisphere.
It was intended to entertain the crowds – even in poor conditions.
However, the Toulon coach said that the trophy and the bragging rights of being the best team in the world after the match were all an illusion.
"Let's be serious," Laporte said after the match.
"We say that it is the champion of the Northern Hemisphere against the Southern one, but they have not won their competition."It's a trophy that has no place.
"If the trophy is to mean anything, we must play against the Waratahs."
In saying that, Laporte still had a smile on his face after the loss and was pleased at how the event played out.
"It's always a privilege to receive a Southern Hemisphere team," Laporte continued.
"It was a beautiful event without pressure.
"At the briefing, we were told the players not to kick penalties, we were there to provide maximum pleasure to the public.
"This is the only time that I said to the players: 'Regardless of whether we win or lose, what matters most is pleasing the audience' and I think we did that."
When asked if this match would become a regular occurrence Laporte said he had already put some wheels in motion by discussing a return fixture with Sharks CEO John Smit.
"I spoke with John Smit, he would like to build a partnership between the two clubs," the coach said.
"It could be a good thing, it would allow us to go there in July, although it will mean they will be without their internationals, but whatever.
"This is good preparation match."
Source: Rugbyrama
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