AUDIO: Bulls coach talks about Sharks' threats
The Sharks, after a poor start that saw them get just one win in their first five matches, has suddenly hit a rich vein of form.
The New Zealand leg of their Australasian tour – which started with defeats against the Brumbies (17-24) and Rebels (14-46) – saw them beat the Blues (63-40) and coming within seconds of a clean sweep in the Land of the Long White Cloud, as they went down 37-38 Hurricanes.
The Sharks remain the only South African team to have won in New Zealand this season.
The Bulls coach admitted his team is facing a massive challenge against the much-improved Sharks in a crucial conference game.
Mitchell said the Durban-based franchise 'deserved' two wins in New Zealand.
"They have been away for a long time and will enjoy being back home," he said of their four-match tour.
"They [the Sharks] are throwing the ball around," Mitchell said, adding: "They are [one of] the best offload team in the competition.
"They are scoring 30-odd points a game and [the] linebreaks [are] consistently in double figures.
"That shows they enjoy attacking."
Mitchell said the Sharks are holding onto the ball a lot longer.
"The influence of Dick [Muir] on attack is clearly refreshing them and giving them freedom.
"It is going to be a good contest [in Durban on Saturday]."
@rugby365com
