Inconsistent Sharks deliver ‘absolute embarrassment’

Despite a calm demeanour, Sharks coach Robert du Preez didn’t mince his words after his side’s 10-40 loss to the Bulls at home, labelling the match an “absolute embarrassment”.

“That’s what it is. There was a complete lack of effort,” he said.

“We showed in the last two games in New Zealand how talented this team is and then we come home and this happens.”

Indeed, the Durbanites were pretty much hopeless in wet conditions, spilling countless balls and lacking application.

Du Preez was also annoyed by the fact the Sharks knew the Bulls would try to start the game like a house on fire and didn’t adapt accordingly.

“We spoke about it during the week that the Bulls score a lot of points in the first 20 minutes of games. It’s been a trend all season,” he said.

“Look, even after the Bulls scored two tries within the first ten minutes there was still plenty of time to catch up. But you’ve got to fight every minute to do that and we didn’t. There was just no effort.”

Jet lag has also been pointed out as a possible factor after the return from New Zealand but that seems like a faulty argument too as the Bulls were in a similar position against the Stormers a few weeks back and still managed a win.

“I don’t know about that, it’s difficult to say. Our practices during the week were good,” said Du Preez.

“Nothing went right. We’ve got to take this on the chin and move on.”

For more sport your way, follow The Citizen on Facebook and Twitter.