Revenge is sweet and the Sharks got theirs at Newlands on Saturday when they beat Western Province 17-12 in the Currie Cup final.
Having lost the decider in Durban to the same opposition last year, coach Robert du Preez admits that there is nothing quite like beating your opponent in their backyard to be crowned winner.
Du Preez says: “It’s always nice to come into someone’s backyard and win. Province are a great team, they’ve played some fantastic rugby.
“So, credit to them and the way that they played.
“Finals are finals, and on the day, if you take your opportunities, you walk away with something.”
The Sharks took their opportunities at lineout time especially, with the hosts simply not executing this setpiece well on the day, which proved costly.
SHARKS COACH: Robert du Preez. Photo: MUZI NTOMBELA/BACKPAGEPIX
Of the lineouts, Du Preez adds: “Lineouts are always, in tight games like this, vital.
“And if you don’t get your quality ball from lineouts, then you’re always going to struggle.
“I wouldn’t say that we really went out there to target them at lineout time.
“But we knew that if we play a pressure game against them, it’ll take its toll.”