Toulon and Cheetahs alike for Sharks

 

The Sharks are currently in France preparing for their only real warm-up game before they face the Cheetahs in Durban on February14.

 

The men from Durban know it will not be an easy pre-season test against a team that boasts some of the biggest stars in world rugby, but they are more interested in how the game will prepare them for the opening round of Super Rugby.

 

"The Cheetahs are a team that like a driving game, which Toulon do too," Stevens said from France.

 

"They [Toulon] drive a lot of their lineout ball, so that will be a good test for us.

 

"What’s also been indicative of Cheetahs rugby over the past 15 years or so is their ability to play a bit looser and throw the ball around. That’s something Toulon do well.

 

"So playing Toulon will give us the best preparation for playing anyone after this."

 

The pre-season thus far has been an intense one according to Stevens who joined the Sharks during last seasons Currie Cup from English club Saracens.

 

The focus has been on imitating match conditions as best as possible in order for the Sharks to hit the ground running against the Cheetahs.

 

"The way we’ve trained is as close as possible to how intense a rugby game is," Stevens continued.

 

"That’s where the coaches have got it right and the boys are as prepared as they can be to playing top flight rugby.

 

"In terms of our preparation, we’ve prepared brilliantly.

 

"We have a fit team and we’re raring to go and looking forward to playing the best side in the Northern Hemisphere. 

 

"With the guys being in such good shape, we’re very positive about where the team is right now."

 

The Sharks have taken over a strong squad to France with the feeling being that the team selected for the match will be very similar to the one that will face the Cheetahs.