‘The players are hurting’ – Du Preez

Sharks head coach Robert du Preez is demanding a response from his charges when they face off with the Sunwolves in Singapore on Saturday.

After losing to the Kings in Port Elizabeth, things don't get any easier for the Sharks as they travel without both Pat Lambie and Jeremy Ward.

"Pat has to go through the concussion protocols, hopefully all will be fine," Du Preez told the Sharks website ahead of the tough away fixture.

"We didn't want to risk taking him and ultimately he did fail the concussion test at the game. When I spoke to him on Monday morning he said he was feeling much better and hopefully he will be back for the Stormers match."

“The guys coming in are just going to have to step up," he added.

Now 13 points behind the Lions, the Sharks know they have a mountain to climb if they are to top Africa 2 and Du Preez admits that improvements must start now from his men.

"I need to look at the senior players and they need to step it up. Mental preparation needs to improve," he said.

"The players are hurting after that loss and know that they have let our fans down. They want to make amends in Singapore this week."