Sharks coach's assessment 'We achieved our goal'
REACTION: Sharks coach Sean Everitt was searching for positives after his team’s humbling loss to Leinster at the weekend.
Everitt said his team made progress, despite ending their United Rugby Championship tour with a 20-point defeat.
It was always going to be an extremely difficult task to record a win over Leinster at the RDS.
And at the weekend the Sharks joined an ever-growing list of losers, as they became the 22nd consecutive team to suffer a defeat to Leinster in Dublin.
The Sharks produced a valiant performance, scoring five tries – during the 34-54 defeat.
“The boys tried really hard, the effort was there,” the Sharks coach said after the match.
“The energy they displayed on the field to fight till the end was really good.
“Unfortunately, individual errors cost us dearly.
“We were up against a class outfit.”
Everitt added: “Johnny Sexton was world-class and put us under loads of pressure in the second half.
“But we scored five tries, which is very pleasing.”
#REPORT: @leinsterrugby make a big statement with a win over @SharksRugby #rugby #news @URCOfficial https://t.co/hZ26J4BECa
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The Sharks – missing most of their Springbok stars – can be very proud of their performance on tour.
They picked up a bonus point on Saturday and managed to collect 10 log points – after wins over the Dragons and Zebre on tour.
In assessing the team’s performance, Everitt said he is disappointed with the scoreline against Leinster.
However, he is happy with the Durban side’s overall performance on their European venture.
“There were aspects of the game that we have improved on since playing Dragons and Zebre,” Everitt said.
“Our goal on this tour was to walk away with 10 points and we have achieved that.
“However, we are not happy with conceding 50 points.
“That said, not many teams have scored 34 points against Leinster – let alone five tries.
“We will just continue to grow with this young group we have.”
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