- The Sharks were not at their best against the Stormers this weekend, but still emerged with a win.
- Loose forward Sikhumbuzo Notshe says getting over the line was down to the character of the side.
- The Sharks now turn their attention to a clash against the Lions this weekend.
Sharks loose forward Sikhumbuzo Notshe has praised his side's character following their dramatic 33-30 win over the Stormers at Cape Town Stadium this past Saturday.
The Durbanites were 17-0 down after just 12 minutes but, following red cards to Seabelo Senatla and Willie Engelbrecht, they came roaring back into the contest and survived a late Stormers onslaught to return to Durban with a valuable win.
Speaking to media on Tuesday, Notshe acknowledged that the Sharks were not at their best in Cape Town and he pointed to the breakdown, in particular, as an area of concern.
"You can never be pleased with yourself after a first round and there are always work-ons there," said Notshe.
"One to point out was our breakdown and their stealers managed to get their hands on the ball.
"It's something that we haven't shown consistency on. This past weekend, we just didn't look after our team-mates when they went into contact. It is an issue, it got addressed and we're working on it."
The lineout was also a problem area for the Sharks, but Notshe pointed to the character the visitors displayed as the reason for them coming away with the victory.
"At one stage, I think we were 20-3 down and we just spoke under the poles about our energy levels and intensity being good," said Notshe.
"We must never lose that and that's what got us over the line. It was the energy, the enthusiasm and the feeling for each other.
"At the end there, we could have easily given away a penalty, but we forced them to kick a grubber, which is always 50-50 and I guess the ball bounced on our side instead of their side.
"There are a lot of positives that we took out of it."
The Sharks will now turn their attention to the Lions and Saturday's clash at Kings Park.
Kick-off is at 16:00.