Durban - This week the Sharks travel to Newlands for a tricky Currie Cup encounter against Western Province, but buoyed by the fact they survived a serious character examination from a determined Bulls side over the weekend.
The Sharks tackled themselves to a standstill in the closing minutes of the match at Kings Park to win 26-19, and they remain the competition’s unbeaten side along with the Cheetahs, who had a bye in the weekend’s fourth round.
The Sharks then host the Free Staters on September 10 in what will be a vital encounter in terms of topping the log and the long-term battle for a home semi-final and final.
But for coach Robert du Preez, such talk is premature.
“We are very pleased to have beaten a good Bulls team, but we are a long way off being where we want to be,” he said. “We are obviously pleased with the fight the guys showed, but the error count was still too high and has to come down.”
Du Preez is obviously keen to ensure his young side do not get too cocky, but at the same time does not want to curb their adventurous spirit.
“There are a lot of young guys in key positions and they are going to make mistakes - and we will continue to work hard to cut out them out,” said the coach, a tough taskmaster.
“It is a very promising sign that the guys had the will to keep the Bulls out when they were so close to scoring at the end. If you have character, you have a foundation - the rest will follow if you work hard.”
One of the stars on the night was fullback Curwin Bosch, the Junior Springbok who was still at school last year. He scored a try, kicked a drop-goal and kicked penalties and conversions for a handsome 21-point harvest.
“Curwin was outstanding,” Du Preez said. “His goal-kicking was obviously superb, but his line-kicking was also very good. He gets so much length on his kicks, and that relieves pressure. And he is only going to improve the more he plays.”
The Mercury