Despite Odwa Ndungane and Ryan Kankowski having been called up for the Springbok touring squad for the away leg of the Vodacom Tri-Nations, the pair could feature this weekend against the Xerox Lions in Johannesburg if released to play for their province.

Deon Kayser, The Sharks Technical Advisor admitted that Ndungane had recovered from the injury that kept him out of last week’s match against the Leopards. “Odwa is over his hamstring strain and ready for selection if he is released to play for us.”

Following the victory over the Leopards, Kayser admitted that, “Since the first game against Province, we’ve improved every game and there is definitely confidence in the team at the moment.”

Having comprehensively outplayed them in the final analysis, the former Sharks and Springbok centre did admit that they hadn’t had everything go their way for the full 80 minutes.

“The Leopards are not a bad side, they are filled with hard men. In the first half we didn’t play that well, didn’t protect the ball and they spoiled, but we were more patient as the game progressed.”

With the Lions up next, he felt that there were one or two areas to brush up on. “Our first phase ball, we need to get that right – we were a bit short in looking after first phase possession against the Leopards. But the backs did well, our counter-attack was good, and the interplay between backs and forwards was effective, so that’s a positive.”

Unfortunately, Juan Hernandez may not be making the trip to Johannesburg after going over on his ankle in the first few minutes of the game. He soldiered on but was replaced by Guy Cronje in the second half.

“Juan played very well,” admitted Kayser. “He showed glimpses of what he is capable of until he was injured so hopefully he’ll be back soon. We want to give him time to recover, but hopefully he will be part of this weekend’s game.

“Guy also played well, he’s a quality player, he takes the ball into the line nicely. We have good depth at flyhalf.”

Rory Kockott is still battling with the shoulder injury that kept him out of last week’s match “and we will make call later in the week, hopeful he’ll be okay for the weekend, but that’s not assured.”

He also confirmed that Deon Carstens should be back and available for selection.

With one challenge over, the next presents itself immediately in the guise of the Lions. “They have some quality players,” admitted Kayser, “guys like Jano Vermaak and Willem Alberts who is a big, strong ball-carrier. We’re still studying them which is a bit difficult because they keep making big selection changes each week.

“But we can’t underestimate them, they’re a Super 14 franchise and it’s away from home for us. It’s never easy against one of the bigger unions and Jake White has a hand in there as well. With their backs against the wall and with his influence, I’m sure they will be much more structured in their play.”

With The Sharks now second on the log, they are handily-placed at this stage of the tournament which is pleasing to the team. “Since that first game against Western Province, we’ve improved and progressed each week. People didn’t expect us to win against Free State away, so that gives plenty of confidence to the team.”

From The Sharks website.