'Important' three weeks ahead for Sharks

The Sharks secured a vital 33-25 win over the Jaguares in Round 10 and they will not want to lose any momentum before the June international break.

The Durban-based side are now eight points ahead of the Jaguares in Africa Conference Two, but they still trail the Lions by nine points.

"The game [against the Jaguares] had a huge significance with regards to where we are on the log at this stage," said Du Preez. "We are pleased that they did not get a bonus point.

"Every game is going to be important. I think it just showed once again there are no easy games in this tournament. You can't take any side for granted.

Du Preez added: "The [Southern] Kings have shown how well they have played by beating the Rebels with 40-odd points, so the next three games are really going to be important. Obviously, the first one is against the Force and then the Kings away and then the Sunwolves away.

"The guys are in very good spirits. We had an enjoyable tour. I think it is also important that the guys had fun because it [Buenos Aires] is a daunting place to go and play, but they made the best of the opportunity."

Du Preez said he was pleased with the way his team bounced back against the Jaguares after a disappointing 9-all draw with the Melbourne Rebels in Round Nine.

"We knew that it was going to be a very tough assignment. We obviously wanted to put things right after the disappointing performance we had against the Rebels. 

"We always knew that we would need to play with a lot of passion and courage. That for me was the most important thing –  apart from being technically correct, passion was the big driving force behind our victory," said the coach.

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