Willie le Roux: Stormers v Sharks is like a Springbok trial game for some
Wednesday 9 March 2016 17:33, UK
Willie le Roux says the Sharks' game against the Stormers on Saturday is like a Springbok trial match for some players.
Two of South Africa's premier Super Rugby sides go head to head in Cape Town, live on Sky Sports this weekend, and it's a battle that Le Roux and his team-mates are looking forward to. The two sides are unbeaten so far in the competition, with seasoned Springboks and new caps shining for both.
Le Roux is taking part in his first season with the Sharks after signing from the Cheetahs last year, and scored a try in his debut against the Kings. Though his new team is pleased after winning their opening two games, he says the atmosphere in camp suggests this weekend's fixture carries slightly more weight.
"That's the one; going to Newlands and playing the Stormers," said the full-back. "They're always a quality side and everybody is looking forward to it.
"We've got a strong defence and the key is when we get the turnover the guys really switch on and they know their roles. That's where I come in - just waiting for the turnover ball to put the guys into space."
"For some of the guys it's like Springbok trials as well. Everyone's really up for it, we just can't wait to get onto the field and express ourselves.
"Everyone knows the South African derbies are always tough, they know they're playing for higher colours and they have to give it their best against each other, so it's always tough playing against South African opposition."
The Sharks recorded a bonus point in their win over the Kings in Port Elizabeth, before backing it up with victory over a visiting Jaguares side full of internationals, and Le Roux says both teams were difficult to break down.
"The Kings feed off their crowd so it's a hard place to go to for a win. I remember in their first season they picked up a win against the Force in their first game, so we always knew that was going to be tough.
"Our first home game against the Jaguares was like a Test match. Those guys are really physical and they're not an easy side to play against, but we played in the right areas of the field and defended well, so luckily we came away with the win."
A relaxed Le Roux credited the defensive work of the team for the unbeaten start to the season, as well as being able to play with freedom when they have the ball.
"We've got a strong defence and the key is when we get the turnover the guys really switch on and they know their roles. That's where I come in - just waiting for the turnover ball to put the guys into space.
"The coaches allow us to play our game. They've told us to play what we see and said we can't cramp ourselves up in a kicking game, so the guys are really enjoying it."
The turnovers that have allowed the Sharks to punish sides comes from ferocious work at the breakdown. A familiar sight for fans is Marcel Coetzee causing trouble for opposition sides at the tackle, but there are two new loose forwards in the Sharks family who have caught the eye this season.
Jean-Luc and Daniel du Preez, twin sons of former Springbok Robert du Preez, have made a big impact in their short time in the senior squad. The 20-year-olds featured in the Sharks' off-season wins over Toulon and Toulouse, and continued their impressive form into the regular season. Le Roux is confident there is plenty more to come from the pair.
"Everyone knows Marcel, then you've got Dan and Jean-Luc, a couple of youngster coming through who are incredibly energetic.
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"They just want to tackle guys backwards and get their hands on the ball so they can throw the ball around, play and just have fun on the field.
"They were already starting to shine in the pre-season games in France and then Jean-Luc was given man of the match in both of our first two games of the season.
"They're great talents and unbelievable guys. They are great rugby players with a bright future ahead of them."
Watch Stormers v Sharks live on Sky Sports 4 from 3pm this Saturday
