The Sale Sharks put in a dominant performance again at the weekend against London Irish. Neither side could really find their rhythm in the first 15 minutes, but eventually Sale settled in nicely when Sam James hauled in his first try of the game. Robert du Preez jnr added the extras to put them up 7-0 in the first quarter.
He was the General in midfield, and yet again showed just how to handle the London Irish pressure. As always so composed and calm. He didn’t have his usual South African linkup with Rohan Janse van Rensburg at centre, but had the James brothers who were impeccable.
Du Preez converted 3 tries and slotted over a beautiful penalty in the 49th minute. Just before though, he also created and assisted a wonderful unselfish attempt to help see his backline compadre Luke James score in the corner.
He had his hand in the attacking phase, defending phase and the in-between. He was everywhere! He ran in 22 passes and covered 35 meters in the match. All 3 of the du Preez siblings had a hand in the master class, but Rob du Preez was the standout. He brought so much positive energy to a “below par” Sale Sharks backline.
Sale 39 – 0 London Irish.
He now leads the Sale team with 116 points including 26 conversions, 17 penalties and 8 try assists which will make the Director of Rugby, Steve Diamond a very happy man.
The Sharks face Harlequins on Sunday 15th of March in the Premiership Rugby Cup Final at the AJ Bell Stadium.
Kickoff is at 3pm.
