Sharks in a good space ahead of Lions clash

The Durban-based side is in good spirits after their 31-14 pre-season win against French club Racing Metro in Hong Kong.

The match was the Sharks' final hit-out before they get their Super Rugby campaign underway against the Lions in Johannesburg and Du Preez believes they are on the right track.

"We are very pleased with the result, I think it was a great squad effort," said du Preez after the match.

He added: "The week in Hong Kong as really great from a team cohesion and team spirit building point of view.

"I wouldn't like to single out any individual performances, I think it was a great squad effort, great attitude shown by the boys and we're pleased with the result.

"With regards the tries, I think there was some really good interplay between backs and forwards. We had a few more opportunities, but to score five tries at this time of the year, against a formidable outfit like Racing was pleasing."

What a special trip with great team mates Hong Kong you served us well now onwards to @SuperRugby #sharksforever #blackandwhite #sitmyindiedurbanboks pic.twitter.com/C5vi1oz2wD

— The Sharks: #TourTakeOver by @Ruan5Botha (@TheSharksZA) February 4, 2018

Despite their latest performance, Du Preez acknowledged that they are still far from the finished product.

"There's still a lot of hard work to be done. When we get back to Durban, we will have a very tough week in terms of some preparation we feel we need.

"We are happy from a conditioning point of view and I think we’re making good progress," he added. "This match was good preparation for our game against the Lions."

Source: @TheSharksZA

Thank you Hong Kong. ✌️ pic.twitter.com/Eigl4OOPPI

— Jeremy Ward (@JeremyWard_) February 4, 2018