Soft moments bite Sharks
SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Sharks head coach Robert Du Preez believes that his side’s defeat to the Reds can be put down to a couple of soft tries.
The Sharks suffered a 14-21 defeat to the Reds on Friday.
It was another poor performance from a Sharks team who was expected to bounced back after being humiliated with a 17-51 defeat by Jaguares at Kings Park last week.
The display was certainly the polar opposite of the Durban franchise’s form during their 42-5 win over Lions at Ellis Park just two weeks ago.
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During Friday’s encounter, the hosts created loads of opportunity, they made 140 carries compared to Reds’ 107 and made more than 500 metres, however, the number of turnovers concedes (18) and defensive lapses nullified all the hard work.
Furthermore the unsatisfying slow start of Robert du Preez’s men – who found themselves conceding a try in just the second minute and were down 0-14 in the first quarter – did help their endeavors,
*Attacking stats
“I thought the boys really put the effort in, can’t fault them for their effort,” Du Preez told reporters following the defeat.
“We create a lot of opportunities, but we just couldn’t execute them.
“In those first 20 minutes we gave away two really soft tries and I think that really came back to bite us…we need to be more patient with the ball in hand,” he added.
The Sharks have now slipped to five defeats from nine matches – with four of those losses at home.
The Durban-based side’s slump could not come at a worse time as they face a three-match Australasia tour against the Waratahs, Crusaders and Chiefs.
However, Du Preez believes his side have the capacity to turn around their fortunes on tour.
“When you do lose four games at home it’s not great especially for the fans but also for the team – it’s disappointing.
“But I certainly believe we have what it takes to bounce back. We need a massive game and the next game against the Waratahs.
“There is certainly a positive feeling in the change room, it’s a big step up from last week. We go on a three-match tour now and sometimes that’s really good for the team to build and work on that camaraderie on tour,”
The Sharks remained third in the South African conference and sixth on the overall log.
By Leezil Hendricks
@Leezil07
@rugby365com
