DURBAN – The Sharks have returned from Hong Kong in high spirits after having topped their handsome win over the Bulls a week ago with a stellar performance against Racing 92.
Racing would have been pleased to have escaped with a 31-14 scoreline on Saturday after having been dominated by the Durban team for most of the game.
The Sharks scored five tries and looked well drilled and fit, despite still being in pre-season mode, and considering that the French club are in the middle of their season and in second place on the Top 14 standings.
Sharks coach Robert du Preez said that he was delighted with his team's expedition to the Far East.
“We are obviously pleased with the result against strong opposition but it was also a good week in teams of team building,” Du Preez said.
As far as the game is concerned, Du Preez said that he was especially pleased with the conditioning of his players.
This year the Sharks have departed from army-style running and switched to ball-in-hand pre-season drills.
“From a conditioning point of view we are making good progress,” Du Preez said.
“We feel our preparation is going well for our February 17 Super Rugby opener (against) the Lions. There is still hard work to be done when we are back in Durban. It is going to be tough for the guys in that we feel the need to step up even further regarding conditioning.”