Sharks coach Robert du Preez fired back at his critics following their narrow 12-9 victory over the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday. DYLAN JACK reports.

The Sharks progressed to the Vodacom Super Rugby quarter-finals thanks to a try from centre Lukhanyo Am after the hooter.

The game itself had very little quality to speak of, with both teams struggling to finish off their chances and looking like they had been badly hit by injuries.

Following the game, Du Preez, who has been a much-maligned figure in the media, hit back at those who had criticised his team, once again labelling them as ‘cockroaches’ as he had earlier in the season.

The post-match presser, which featured only Du Preez, had an awkward atmosphere as the former Springbok was asked whether he felt the win had spared him his job.

‘The Durban press? A bunch of cockroaches,’ Du Preez said. ‘There is no doubt [the team is committed]. All the terrible press that this side and management team got over the last month or however long is a complete joke. A complete joke.’

Sharks media manager Novashni Chetty had to step in after Du Preez was pressed as to why he labelled a specific part of the media as cockroaches.

Du Preez then added that he felt his side, which is set to play the Brumbies in Canberra, could win overseas with the performance they put up at Newlands.

‘There is no doubt. I have got no doubt in my mind,’ Du Preez said. ‘This is a fantastic team. On any given day we can beat any opposition.’

REPORT: Am strikes late to sink Stormers

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images