In this Article we look at the contenders for WINGS AND FULLBACKS at the Sharks 2013 Super Rugby group.
The Sharks will have a very solid backline in 2013 with all positions having sufficient depth and with the Back Three the same can be said. In JP Pietersen, Lwazi Mvovo, Odwa Ndugane and Sibusiso Sithole they have four good wings with the likes of Paul Jordaan, Louis Ludik and Gouws Prinsloo who can all also cover the position if need be.
Lastly we look at Fullback where they have Louis Ludik, Riaan Viljoen and Gouws Prinsloo.
All in all one can safely say the Sharks should not have a problem in the Back Three and a gentleman like Louis Ludik can consider himself as one of the most underrated players in South Africa and he was indeed extremely unlucky not to make the Springbok squad for the End Of Year Tours to the United Kingdom.
The Contenders: WINGS
JP Pietersen:
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JP Pietersen was schooled in Witbank at Generaal Hertzog High school. He then moved to the Durban where he got accepted at the Sharks Academy and at age 19 made his debut for the Sharks.
He started at Fullback and although a very good fullback he was soon selected at wing with his deceptive pace and gliding runs which make him an unpredictable backline player, with the ability to break the line at will and create attacking opportunities for his team. He is also a clinical finisher and was the leading try scorer in the 2007 Super14 competition with 12 tries from 15 games.
He was selected for the Springboks 2007 Rugby World cup squad. Starting in the first two matches, Pietersen scored three tries. He was impressive in the game against England, scoring two tries and setting up a third.
However, post World Cup JP Pietersen went on to establish the most capped wing combination in Springbok history with Bryan Habana, currently standing at 25 Tests. Ten more than the next best pairing of James Small and Jaques Olivier. Aside from his obvious attacking abilities, Pietersen is widely regarded for his outstanding defense. His cover defense being the saving grace of the Springboks 2008 End of Year Tour, manfully keeping the Welsh at bay and dominating his opposite Shane Williams. His all-round skills remain of the highest standard, having matured into one of the best wings post readmission.
2012 Was no different, where JP Pietersen was again at his best. He was in scintillating form and was it not for a broken thumb he would possibly have had his best season ever. He also had a successful stint at outside centre when the Sharks needed him, showing his versatility as a player.
TEST RECORD
| OPPOSITION |
P |
W |
D |
L |
T |
C |
PE |
DG |
PTS |
| Argentina |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
| Australia |
11 |
5 |
0 |
6 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
| British Isles |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
| England |
7 |
6 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
| Fiji |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
| France |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Ireland |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Italy |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Namibia |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
| New Zealand |
8 |
4 |
0 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
| Samoa |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
| Scotland |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Tonga |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| USA |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Wales |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
- 2012 – South Africa Castle Outgoing Tours – The Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division – South Africa Castle Incoming Tours – Sharks Vodacom Super Rugby
- 2011 – South Africa IRB Rugby World Cup – The Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division – Sharks Vodacom Super Rugby – South Africa Castle Tri-Nations
- 2010 – Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division – South Africa Vodacom Tri-Nations – The Sharks Vodacom Super 14
- 2009 – South Africa Vodacom Outgoing Tours – South Africa Vodacom Tri-Nations – Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division – South Africa British & Irish Lions Tour – The Sharks Vodacom Super 14
- 2008 – South Africa Vodacom Outgoing Tour – South Africa Vodacom Tri-Nations – The Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Premier Div – South Africa Vodacom Incoming Tours – The Sharks Vodacom Super 14
- 2007 – South Africa IRB Rugby World Cup – South Africa Vodacom Outgoing Tour – Springboks XV Vodacom Outgoing Tour – South Africa Vodacom Tri-Nations – South Africa Vodacom Incoming Tours – Wildebeest Vodacom Cup – The Sharks Vodacom Super 14 – South Africa World Cup warm-up matches
- 2006 – The Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division – South Africa IRB Under 21 World Championship – The Sharks Vodacom Super 14 – South Africa Vodacom Tri-Nations – South Africa Vodacom Outgoing Tours – Springbok XV Vodacom Outgoing Tours
- 2005 – The Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division – The Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Qualifying Round
- 2004 – @lantic Pumas ABSA U20 Competition Section B – Mpumalanga U18 Coca-Cola Craven Week
Odwa Ndugane:
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Odwa was schooled at the Hudson Park High School, after which he represented the Border Bulldogs and thereafter moved to the Bulls with his twin brother Akona.
He completed the season 2004 at the Bulls, but soon into 2005 he decided to join the Sharks Academy and quickly found his way into the Sharks senior side where he still applies his trade. Odwa has been one of the most dependable players at the Sharks setup, as he always gives his best. He has always been one of the most underrated wings in South Africa, being a player that reads the game well and gets involved, maybe only the lack of a bit of raw speed being his downfall.
He has also showed his versatility in having also played for the Sharks at fullback, having showed very good attacking skills from the back. He also is defensively sound and runs good lines. He brings a lot of experience to the Sharks backline and although he may not start most matches, the Sharks at least know they have very good backup in him and they know he will not let the team down.
In 2008 He made his Test debut against Italy (26-0 victory) in Cape Town ahead of his twin brother Akona Ndugane.
- 2012 – The Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division – Sharks XV Vodacom Cup – Sharks Vodacom Super Rugby
- 2011 – South Africa IRB Rugby World Cup – The Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division – Sharks Vodacom Super Rugby – South Africa Castle Tri-Nations
- 2010 – South Africa Outgoing Tours – Springboks Outgoing Tours – Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division – The Sharks Vodacom Super 14
- 2009 – South Africa Vodacom Outgoing Tours – South Africa Vodacom Tri-Nations – Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division – South Africa British & Irish Lions Tour – The Sharks Vodacom Super 14 – Sharks MTN test
- 2008 – South Africa Vodacom Outgoing Tour – South Africa Vodacom Tri-Nations – The Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Premier Div – South Africa Vodacom Incoming Tours – The Sharks Vodacom Super 14
- 2007 – The Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Premier Div – SA Emerging IRB Nations Cup – South Africa Vodacom Incoming Tours – Wildebeest Vodacom Cup – The Sharks Vodacom Super 14
- 2006 – The Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division – The Sharks Vodacom Super 14
- 2005 – The Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division – The Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Qualifying Round – Natal Wildebeest Vodacom Cup – Sharks Vodacom Super 12
- 2004 – South Africa A South Africa A Outgoing Tour – Bulls Vodacom Super 12 – Blue Bulls ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division
- 2003 – Spoornet Bulldogs ABSA Currie Cup First Div – Spoornet Bulldogs Absa Currie Cup Qualifying Rounds – Spoornet Bulldogs Vodacom Shield
- 2002 – Spoornet Bulldogs Bankfin Currie Cup – Border U/21 Bankfin Under 21 – South Africa IRB U21 World Cup – Border Vodacom Cup
- 2001 – Spoornet Bulldogs Vodacom Cup
- 2000 – Border U/21 Bankfin Under 21
- 1999 – Border U/21 Bankfin Under 21
Lwazi Mvovo:
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Lwazi Mvovowas schooled at Maria Louw High School. His debut for the Natal Sharks was in 2008 against Boland.
In the 2010 Currie Cup tournament he was the second highest try scorer with 12 tries to his name. In the Super Rugby competition he impressed once again when he tied for the second highest try scorer, with 6 tries to his name.
He is very quick on his feet and shows an excellent work rate. In October 2010 Lwazi was selected for the Springbok squad of 39 players to prepare for the November tour of Europe. He made his Springboks debut on 20 November 2010 in the 21-17 loss to Scotland at Murrayfield. Lwazi scored his first international try against England, at Twickenham on Saturday 27 November 2010, in a 21-11 victory.
Lwazi made his Tri-Nations debut against the Australia in Sydney on 23 July 2011. He was part of the 39 – 20 hammering at the hands of the Wallabies, however he showed strength and stamina to test the Australian defense for the full 80 minutes. His 100m time was 10.32 seconds.
Mvovo then appeared against New Zealand in Wellington as No 11.
Although Lwazi did not have his best season in 2012, he did finish the season in better form and hopefull in 2013 he can continue with that trend.
- 2012 – South Africa Castle Outgoing Tours – South Africa The Castle Rugby Championship – The Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division – South Africa Castle Incoming Tours – Sharks Vodacom Super Rugby
- 2011 – The Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division – Sharks Vodacom Super Rugby – South Africa Castle Tri-Nations
- 2010 – South Africa Outgoing Tours – Springboks Outgoing Tours – Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division – Sharks XV Vodacom Cup – The Sharks Vodacom Super 14
- 2009 – Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division – Sharks Invitational XV Absa Currie Cup Compulsory Friendlies – Sharks British & Irish Lions Tour – Sharks XV Vodacom Cup – Sharks MTN test
- 2008 – The Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Premier Div – Wildebeest Vodacom Cup
- 2007 – Sharks U/21 ABSA Under 21 Competition – SA Amateur Africa Cup – Pool South – Wildebeest Vodacom Cup
- 2006 – Kwa-Zulu Natal Inter-Provincial Sevens Competition – Men – KZN U21 ABSA Under 21 Competition
- 2005 – Border SA Under 19
- 2004 – Border Bulldogs ABSA U20 Competition Section B – Border U18 Coca-Cola Craven Week
Sibusiso Sithole:
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Sibusiso was schooled at Queens College and represented Border at Craven Week, thereafter he was accepted at the Sharks Academy and in 2010 made his way into the Junior Springbok Under 20 squad.
Sbura really made his name known in the Blitzbokke where it was his power and hunger for the try-line that set up the victory. He has since made his way through the junior levels into the Sharks XV and Sharks premier side.
His career portfolio to date is as follows:
- 2012 – The Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division – Sharks XV Vodacom Cup -Sharks Vodacom Super Rugby
- 2011 – Sharks ABSA Under 21 Competition -The Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division – Sharks XV Absa Currie Cup Compulsory friendlies – Sharks XV Vodacom Cup
- 2010 – South Africa HSBC Sevens World Series George – South Africa HSBC Sevens World Series Dubai – Sharks ABSA Under 21 Competition – South Africa IRB Junior World Championships – Sharks XV Vodacom Cup
- 2009 – Sharks ABSA Under 19 Competition
- 2008 – Border U18 Coca-Cola Craven Week – U18 Elite Squad Elite Squads – SA Schools SA Schools
- 2006 – Border U16 Coca Cola Grant Khomo Week
The Contenders: FULLBACKS
Louis Ludik:
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Louis was schooled at EG Jansen High School and represented the Falcons at various school levels, namely Falcons Craven Week Under 13 1998 &1999, Nike Falcons Under 15 2001, Falcons Craven Week Under 16 2002, Falcons Craven Week Under 18 2003 & 2004. He went on from junior level as well as starting his post school rugby career at the Golden Lions until the end of 2009, having sustained a serious injury to his knee in a match against the touring British & Irish Lions.
In the pre-season between 2009 and 2010 Louis decided to further his career at the Sharks in Durban where he has slowly regained form after the injury and cemented his place as the first choice Fullback at the Sharks. Moving Patrick Lambie to Flyhalf has made it easier for Louis as well as the fact that his own form grew to the standard that some in South Africa regard him as the form Fullback in SA and also feel he was very unfortunate not to make the End Of Year Springbok touring squad to the United Kingdom.
The Sharks will be hoping Louis continues with this form.
His career portfolio to date is as follows:
- 2012 – The Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division – Sharks Vodacom Super Rugby
- 2011 – The Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division – Sharks Vodacom Super Rugby
- 2010 – Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division – Sharks Invitational XV Absa Currie Cup Compulsory Friendlies – Sharks XV Vodacom Cup
- 2009 – Xerox Golden Lions British & Irish Lions Tour – Auto & General Lions Vodacom Super 14
- 2008 – Xerox Lions ABSA Currie Cup Premier Div – Xerox Lions Absa Currie Cup Compulsory Friendlies – Auto & General Lions Vodacom Super 14
- 2007 – Golden Lions ABSA Currie Cup Premier Div – SA Emerging IRB Nations Cup – Lions Vodacom Super 14
- 2006 – Lions ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division – Lions Vodacom Cup
- 2005 – Golden Lions SA Under 19 – Golden Lions ABSA Under 21 Competition
- 2004 – Falcons U18 Coca-Cola Craven Week
Riaan Viljoen:
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Riaan was school at Klerksdorp High School and played North West Province Craven Week before joining the Sharks Academy to further his career. He went on to play Sharks Under 19 and Under 20 from 2002-2004.
In 2005 he joined the Falcons where he spent a few years before joining the Griquas where he then got to play Super Rugby for the Cheetahs. Riaan is known for good attacking rugby and a very big boot and is a versatile back that can play Fullback or Flyhalf or Wing.
In 2012 he returned to the Sharks where he is currently applying his trade. He has yet to really find the form he had at the Cheetahs, all be it he has had a few very good games for the Sharks but sadly lackeded consistency.
Riaan will surely regain his form in 2013 as he is a quality player.
His career portfolio to date is as follows:
- 2012 – The Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division – Sharks Vodacom Super Rugby
- 2011 – GWK Griquas ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division – Griqualand West Absa Currie Cup Compulsory friendlies – Toyota Cheetahs Vodacom Super Rugby – GWK Griquas Vodacom Cup
- 2010 – GWK Griquas ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division – GWK Griquas Absa Currie Cup Compulsory Friendlies – Griquas Vodacom Cup – Vodacom Cheetahs Vodacom Super 14
- 2009 – South Africa Vodacom Outgoing Tours – GWK Griquas ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division – GWK Griquas Absa Currie Cup Compulsory Friendlies – Royal XV British & Irish Lions Tour – Vodacom Cheetahs Vodacom Super 14 – GWK Griquas Vodacom Cup
- 2008 – Wildeklawer Griquas ABSA Currie Cup Premier Div – Wildeklawer Griquas Vodacom Cup
- 2007 – Valke ABSA Currie Cup Premier Div – Valke ABSA Currie Cup Qualifiers – Valke Vodacom Cup
- 2006 – Medicover Valke ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division – Medicover Valke Vodacom Cup
- 2005 – AMD Valke ABSA Currie Cup First Division – AMD Valke ABSA Currie Cup Qualifying Round
- 2003 – Natal Sharks ABSA U20 A Section
- 2002 – Natal U/19 U19 Competition
Gouws Prinsloo:
Gouws Prinsloo is a solid young Fullback and also able to play outside centre. After school he was invited to the Sharks Academy and is still a member of the Sharks squad.
His portfolio is as follows:
- HEIGHT 179 cm
- WEIGHT 85 Kg
- BIRTH DATE 19 July 1990
- BIRTH PLACE East London
- FAVOURITE FILM Gladiator
- SECONDARY SCHOOL Marlow Agricultural High
- 2012 – The Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division – Sharks XV Vodacom Cup – Sharks Vodacom Super Rugby
- 2011 – Sharks ABSA Under 21 Competition – The Sharks ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division – Sharks XV Absa Currie Cup Compulsory friendlies – Sharks XV Vodacom Cup
- 2010 – Sharks ABSA Under 21 Competition
- 2009 – Sharks ABSA Under 19 Competition
- 2008 – Eastern Province CD U18 Coca-Cola Craven Week
Starters:
Louis Ludik will surely start as he was the form fullback in 2o12. If Riaan Viljoen can find form he may well put a lot of pressure on Louis Ludik, with Gouws also fighting for a place, but no doubt Louis Ludik will start.
So it will be JPP, Mvovo and Ludick then.
1 @ Loosehead:
Yip it will be. JPP was outstanding for Sharks last year. Has to be the best 14 wing in South Africa and probably the world right now. Ludik was top class for Sharks as well at fb, actually was the best fb in our conference towards the end of Super Rugby. Should have got a Bok call up don’t you think?
Watched the the play off game Sharks played against the Reds and the Semi against Stormers last week before deleting everything from my pvr. Mvovo was top class in both games so how some don’t rate him baffles me. He was superb under the high ball and his defence was brilliant. JPP was just magnificent, although he played centre in the semi. Pleased these players are playing for the Sharks……
Always enjoy it when JPP scores a try for Sharks when he puts his hand over his Shark. Makes us Sharks supporters proud. One of my favourite players as well.
JPP and Frans Steyn practically grew up at the Sharks together. Both have a world cup medal and both seem like they have been around for 20 years or so. Yet both are so young still. Both will be in the next world cup for sure. That will be 3 world cups they they will have played in, unbelievable at that age. Both just about the best in their positions in the world as well.
Although Odwa is getting on in age and has slowed down, he is reliable and does the right thing just about everytime. Always in the right place as well. Top class in defence and superb under the high ball. Never lets the team down. Pleased he is still there in the team.
Ludik was in sensational form towards the end of Super Rugby last year. Was the best fb in our conference towards the end there and should have got a call up for the eoyt after that brilliant performance from him.
Viljoen was up and down last year, probably not his best year at fb. He did play well in the Semi against Stormers though, except for one knock on, it came at a bad time almost on their try line and I felt had he not knocked on there we just could have got a try. Anyhow it was his superb up and under that Ludik won in the air that lead to Ludiks try. He does have to become more consistent this year.
The Cheetahs Back Three Article will be up at 10:00 (Scheduled for then), the Bulls Back Three Article is scheduled to appear at 12:00.
The last in all the Articles in the Squad Contender ranges of all the SA Franchises, that of the Southern Kings back Three, is already some way in Draft Format, but my clients need attention first… Victoria Engineering and SA Timber Services.
Sould’nt take too long, so it’s very likely that the Southern Kings Back Three Article will be up by 14:00. Must tell you, their Back Three is looking extremely bleak, with only really Michael Killian worth his salt.
Wonder if Sbura will get any game time this year? Also would like to see Sbura get some game time this Super 15. Even if it is coming off the bench for some games. We need to start to build here as Odwa probably won’t be around next year.
Sharks look very explosive. Have to wonder how a Fransie and JPP would do as a centre paring – some heavy runners there – just a thought.
Hope Mvovo have another good year, he still needs to convince me on international level but sure as all things green he is dynamite in Super 15
and for Ludik, hope he get’s the chance at international level sometime, he deserves it
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