SHARKS

Tuesday 30th January 2007

The Sharks were South Africa's most successful team in the Super 12, reaching the play-offs four times and twice reaching the Final. But they never won the ultimate prize.

But they then went through a slump and several coaching changes - one in mid-season in 2005 - and they failed to reproduce the form that made them such a pleasure to watch in the early years of the Super 12.

However, in 2006, the inaugural Super 14, they came within a single point (on points differential) to beat the Bulls in the race for play-off places. The pleasure of watching them had returned.

A lot of people, particularly from the KwaZulu-Natal region, were quick to remind us just how wrong we got the Super 14 prediction last year.

The Sharks have been thoroughly impressive under Dick Muir, and it must be said that they are indeed one of the more fancied teams in this year's competition. Traditionally the best of the South African travelers, and now ("finally!" we hear every Sharks supporter cry) have been blessed with undoubtedly the best playing schedule of the competition, with a seven-home-six-away draw.

What will be most interesting is to see how a certain Mr Skinstad performs after a couple of years in London playing at centre for First Division club Richmond. Bringing Bob back was an ingenious move by the Sharks marketing team, as whether you love him or hate him, you want to see him play.

What will also be very interesting is to see how the youngsters who lit up the Currie Cup - and in Francois Steyn's case the end of year Springbok Tour - perform in their debut season for the Durban-based franchise.

Strengths: Some brilliant individuals and some hardy forwards. They are truly an exciting blend of youth and experience. And Durban seems to have become an ally again.

Weakness: It's hard to find any, but if last year was anything to go by - tactical naiveness in crunch games. Some of the youngsters let golden opportunities slip by through wrong options, simply because of a lack of experience.

Noteworthy signings: Bobby Skinstad (Richmond), Rory Kockott (Lions), Kees Lensing (Leeds, he played Currie Cup rugby but not Super 14 last year)

Noteworthy losses: Daniel Farani (no contract), Brent Russell (to the Stormers), Tony Brown (back to Japan), Craig Davidson (injured), Nico Breedt (to Toulon), Braam Immelman (to Montauban), Solly Tyibilika (Lions)

Coach: Dick Muir first cut his teeth at club level in South Africa, before taking over midway through the 2005 Super 12. He then had a roller-coaster ride in the Currie Cup and last year he got his first full bite at the Super 14 cherry. It tasted nice (he almost had the whole cake) and now he is back for more.

Captain: John Smit is the designated captain, even though he may be rested in the odd game. As Springbok captain he needs no introduction - well respected by his pears, even though he still has his doubters in the media.

Player(s) to watch: There is no doubt that when Bobby Skinstad eventually takes to the field (he kept a low profile during the pre-season build-up) everybody would want to see if he still has what it takes. But senior players like Johan Ackermann, Jacques Botes, BJ Botha, Warren Britz, Deon Carstens, Kees Lensing, Johann Muller, John Smit, Albert van den Berg, AJ Venter, Gcobani Bobo, Adrian Jacobs, Butch James, Henno Mentz and Percy Montgomery will all have crucial roles to play. They must guide the youngsters through troubled time ... of which there will be some.

2006 Position: 5th
Best finish: Runners-up in 1996 and 2001
Worst finish: 12th in 2000 and 2005
Home Venue: ABSA Stadium, Durban (capacity 52,000)

2006 Prediction: We expect many good things from the Sharks and some exciting rugby ... even a play-off spot. Top 4.

Sharks squad: Johan Ackermann, Skipper Badenhorst, Jacques Botes, BJ Botha, Warren Britz, Deon Carstens, Keegan Daniel, Bismarck du Plessis, Ryan Kankowski, Kees Lensing, Tendai Mtawarira, Johann Muller, Dewald Senekal, Bobby Skinstad, John Smit, Steven Sykes, Albert van den Berg and AJ Venter, Bradley Barritt, Gcobani Bobo, Craig Burden, Adrian Jacobs, Butch James, Rory Kockott, Scott Mathie, Henno Mentz, Cedric Mkhize, Percy Montgomery, Waylon Murray, Odwa Ndungane, Dusty Noble, Sandile Nxumalo, Ruan Pienaar, JP Pietersen, Grant Rees, Francois Steyn and Andries Strauss.

Schedule:

3 February: v Bulls, home
9 February : v Waratahs, home
17 February: v Highlanders, home
23/24 February: BYE
3 March: v Crusaders, home
10 March: v Cheetahs, away
17 March: v Hurricanes, home
24 March: v Brumbies, home
30 March: v Western Force, away
7 April: v Reds, away
14 April: v Blues, away
21 April: v Chiefs, away
28 April: v Lions, home
5 May: v Stormers, away

By James White