Rugby
KweséESPN staff 6y

Du Preez named to Sharks squad for Australasia tour

The Sharks have named flank Jean-Luc du Preez for their Super Rugby tour to Australasia, which starts this coming Saturday with a visit to the Brumbies in Canberra.

Springbok Du Preez, the son of Sharks coach Robert, has not played this season after injuring an ankle in the side's Currie Cup final loss to Western Province last October.

Jean-Luc's brother, Dan, has not been considered due to injury, along with fellow loose-forward Phillip van der Walt, prop Coenie Oosthuizen, centre Jeremy Ward, and scrumhalf Michael Claassens.

"I have gone for 15 forwards and 12 backs. My selection was based on who is fit and available, and I have rewarded players who have taken opportunities they've been given," coach Du Preez told the team's official website.

"We are looking forward to this tour. Tours always strengthen team spirit and this win under our belt will give us confidence going into the next four weeks.

"It's time for us to stand-up and hopefully we make everyone who loves the black and white proud."

The Sharks claimed their first win of the season on Saturday with a 50-22 hammering of the Sunwolves from Japan, but despite the scoreline there were still many errors from the side.

But coach Du Preez says he is less worried about performance and more concerned with results at this stage though.

"It's all about the result. So long as we win‚ I don't care about the performance," he told reporters after the game.

"I think the guys who have come in have performed well and I'm very pleased with their performances.

"We want to go and win all four games in New Zealand and Australia and that's our target. I don't think the Rebels are surprising because they're a very good team.

"There's no easy games and we saw that during the Reds-Bulls game. There's no easy games but it's one game at a time.

"We still have to go to Canberra and beat the Brumbies so we have to take things one game at a time."   

Sharks touring squad:  

Forwards - Akker van der Merwe, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Franco Marais, Hyron Andrews, Jacques Vermeulen, Jean-Luc du Preez, John-Hubert Meyer, Juan Schoeman, Ruan Botha, Stephan Lewies, Tendai Mtawarira, Tera Mtembu, Thomas du Toit, Tyler Paul, Wian Vosloo  

Backs - Andre Esterhuizen, Cameron Wright, Curwin Bosch, Garth April, Kobus van Wyk, Louis Schreuder, Lukhanyo Am, Lwazi Mvovo, Makazole Mapimpi, Marius Louw, Robert du Preez, Sbu Nkosi

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