After a runner-up spot in the South African conference and a bruising defeat to the Crusaders in the play offs, the Sharks will be hoping to put a bit more bite into the 2012 season.
Last year:
Four wins in four matches put the Sharks firmly in contention early on, but defeats at the hands of the Chiefs, Crusaders and Stormers (twice) thereafter quickly brought them back down to earth. Down but not out, the Sharks put themselves back into play-off contention with two wins and a memorable draw with the Lions. Their return fixture against the Bulls in the final round was a winner-takes-all clash at Loftus Versfeld, with the loser bowing out of the competition. The Sharks stood up brilliantly to the physical Bulls and defeated the defending champions 26-23 to book a play-off berth against the Crusaders.
The New Zealand outfit proved stronger opposition the following weekend and after managing to stay in the game at half-time (13-5), the wheels came off in the second half when the Sharks conceded an intercept try to Kieran Read and failed to recover as they lost 36-8.
This year:
The Sharks lost a lot of experience at the end of last season with John Smit and Stefan Terblanche heading off to Saracens and Ulster respectively, but it by no means weakens a squad which had planned appropriately for their exits. Springbok centre Adrian Jacobs has also departed the franchise, while Gerhard Mostert, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Riaan Swanepoel and Eugene van Staden are all plying their trade in France. It’s in the backline where Plumtree has elected to strengthen the squad with centre Tim Whitehead coming in along with former Bok Marius Joubert, while former Cheetahs flier Riaan Viljoen is also a welcome addition.
Key Players:
Many eyes will be focused on the way Bismarck du Plessis performs this season as the hooker finally has the opportunity to step out of John Smit’s overbearing shadow. In addition to making the number two jersey his own, Du Plessis will be looked at as one of the senior players in the squad and will likely captain the side in the absence of Keegan Daniel who cannot be expected to play every match.
An exciting new halfback combination is also going to be one of the key focus areas for the Durban-based team with French international Frederic Michalak stating his intention to move into the scrumhalf position with the hope of regaining a place in his national team. With Michalak vacating the number ten jersey, this allows Patrick Lambie an extended run as the Sharks playmaker which will surely add a spark to their backline.
Prospect:
Being title contenders on a regular basis, the Sharks should certainly accept nothing less than winning the competition outright or at least claiming the South African Conference.
This is the view of TeamTalk Media, Article from PR
Fixtures:
24 Feb v Bulls, away
3 Mar v Stormers, away
10 Mar v Lions, home
17 Mar v Reds, home
24 Mar v Waratahs, away
31 Mar v Brumbies, away
6 Apr v Hurricanes, away
13 Apr v Blues, away
21 Apr v Chiefs, home
Bye
5 May v Highlanders, home
12 May v Force, home
19 May v Cheetahs, away
26 May v Stormers, home
2 Jun v Lions, away
6 Jul v Bulls, home
14 Jul v Cheetahs, home
Hmmm Guppies have only themselves to blame, if they don’t top the SA conference. They have exceptional depth and talent available, and a favourable draw to boot!. They don’t play their nemesis, the Crusaders, and face the dangerous Reds outfit at home.
The only apparent chink in their armour initially is the front row, where they are down to two experienced campaigners in the du Plessis brothers, and then some players best described as work in progress. Chadwick, has barely cut his gums on CC, and now has to man up! burden, has played many matches at hooker, but has been in the shadow of John and Bissy.
I can’t wait!