Sharks coach Robert du Preez says discipline will be a decisive factor during Saturday’s Currie Cup final at Newlands.

The Sharks progressed to the decider thanks to a 33-24 victory over the Golden Lions in a tough contest in Durban. The home side initially looked set for a comfortable win, leading 23-3 early in the second half, but they then let the Lions back into the game. The visitors reduced the deficit to just two points before Dan du Preez scored a late try to seal the win for the Sharks.

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While the Lions’ fightback made for an enthralling clash for spectators, Robert du Preez was less than pleased with the way his charges let their opponents come back at them.

‘The Lions are such a quality side, they had us really worried there,’ Du Preez said. ‘I am very pleased with the guys’ effort to come back after those two [Lions] tries and to fight out to the end was good.

‘If you make one or two slip-ups then that is what you will get. We will obviously have a look at that and see how it happened and sort it out before next week.’

The Sharks will face the only side that has managed to beat them this season and Du Preez says they will have to continue improving their discipline, making a comparison with the All Blacks’ 2011 World Cup-winning side.

‘I thought our discipline was great, especially in that first half.

‘In the All Blacks’ World Cup final against France, they only conceded three penalties. That is the type of discipline you need to look at.’

Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images