Sharks encounter a Rebels side with a distinct South African DNA

Over the past two seasons, the Sharks under Robert du Preez have gained a reputation for being arguably the most pragmatic local side in Super Rugby.

It’s hardly a bad thing given that South African rugby tends to be at its best when it combines a direct, gritty approach with skill.

With that in mind, the Durbanites’ meeting with the Rebels on Friday in Melbourne is a rather intriguing one because their opponents seem to have very much the same flavour under their South African coach, Dave Wessels.

Wessels, a Capetonian who served as a specialist coach for the Stormers and mentored Ikeys in the Varsity Cup, was recruited by Jake White in 2012 to handle the Brumbies’ defence portfolio.

He stayed on and has become highly regarded, first coaching the Force before being headhunted by the Rebels.

His South African roots are reasonably clear in the way the Australian side plays, according to Du Preez.

“The Rebels’ strength is undoubtedly their defence,” said the Sharks coach.

“They’re a team that’s very patient and don’t play a lot of rugby in their own half. They make very few mistakes. I think up until their match last week against the Waratahs they had the best defensive record in this year’s tournament. They’re well balanced and well coached.”

Even if the Rebels don’t necessarily take the initiative during matches – instead relying on counter-attacks – it doesn’t mean the Sharks should sit back too.

In fact, a good start is a priority this week after a clumsy defeat to the Brumbies last weekend.

“It’s an absolute priority to start well against these guys, I have no doubt that if we do start well and we get on a roll, we will be difficult to stop,” said Du Preez.

“We started badly and gave away too many penalties in the first few minutes against the Brumbies, and that meant we simply couldn’t get any momentum going. It’s very difficult to come back when you’re in such a position.”

Sharks: Curwin Bosch, Sbu Nkosi, Lukhanyo Am, Marius Louw, Lwazi Mvovo, Robert du Preez, Louis Schreuder, Tera Mtembu, Jean-Luc du Preez, Jacques Vermeulen, Stephan Lewies, Ruan Botha (c), Thomas du Toit, Akker van der Merwe, Beast Mtawarira. Bench: Franco Marais, Juan Schoeman, John-Hubert Meyer, Hyron Andrews, Wian Vosloo, Cameron Wright, Kobus van Wyk, Garth April.

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