‘Sharks have to do plenty of soul searching’

Sharks defence and kicking coach, Braam van Straaten, says they have plenty of soul searching to do after their embarrassing Super Rugby loss to the Jaguares over the weekend. The Durban side was hammered 51-17 by their Argentine counterparts at Kings Park on Saturday.

They conceded seven tries in a game that will go down as one of their worst in the professional era. It was especially disappointing for the Sharks faithful who watched their team demolish the Lions at Ellis Park the weekend prior.

By Monday afternoon, Van Straaten said the technical team had already met twice to analyse the defeat – their third at home for the season.

A major talking point at Kings Park in recent weeks has been the poor form of flyhalf, Robert Du Preez Junior. His father and Sharks coach, Robert Du Preez has continued to back his son, despite his struggles.

Curwin Bosch has had to play second fiddle, starting twice at fullback this season. On Saturday, Bosch was shifted to pivot in the second-half and immediately setup a try for Aphelele Fassi. Van Straaten, a former Springbok flyhalf, said the technical team still plans to keep their faith in Du Preez.

Up next, the Sharks face the Reds at home this Friday. It is their last game in South Africa before they head on tour to Australia and New Zealand.

Van Straaten says they will have to approach the game with a vastly different attitude.