The Sharks

2006 Preview

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 the last few years saw them go through 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.

They showed a lot of promise in the early stages of the 2005 Currie Cup, but again fell away at a crucial stage. Lasting the pace appears to be a problem.

However, they have gathered an interesting selection of players - including former All Black Tony Brown (when he eventually arrives from Japan) and Samoan Daniel Farani.

They have potential, but do they have the heart?

Strengths: Some brilliant individuals and some hardy forwards. They are truly an exciting blend of youth and experience.

Weakness: Maybe not enough depth in key positions, like fly-half and at prop.

Noteworthy signings: Andries Strauss (Cheetahs), Percy Montgomery (Dragons), Daniel Farani (Coventry), Johan Ackermann (Griquas), Tony Brown (Japan).
 
Noteworthy losses: Trevor Halstead (Munster)

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 now gets a full bite at the Super 14 cherry.

Captain: John Smit is the designated captain, but injury will sideline him for most of the early games. No full-time replacement has been appointed and it looks like the duties will be shared.

Player(s) to watch: If he does eventually arrive former All Black fly-half Tony Brown will play a crucial role, while youngsters like JP Pietersen, Waylon Murray and Ruan Pienaar could also announce their arrival.

2005 Position: 12th in the Super 12
Best finish: Runners-up in 1996 and 2001
Worst finish: 12th in 2000 and 2005
Home Venue: ABSA Stadium, Durban

2006 Prediction: They will struggle to finish in the top half of the competition

Sharks squad: JP Pietersen, Brent Russell, Cedric Mkhize, Grant Rees, Waylon Murray, Adrian Jacobs, Gcobani Bobo, Andries Strauss, Odwa Ndungane, Henno Mentz, Percy Montgomery, Craig Davidson, Sandile Nxumalo, Ruan Pienaar, Jacques Botes, Daniel Farani, Nico Breedt, Warren Britz, Solly Tyibilika, Johann Muller, Albert van den Berg, Johan Ackermann, Steven Sykes, AJ Venter, BJ Botha, Danie Saayman, Skipper Badenhorst, Bismarck du Plessis, Deon Carstens, Brent Moyle.

Schedule:

Saturday 11 February: v Chiefs, Durban
Saturday 18 February: v Cheetahs, Durban
Saturday 25 February: v Crusaders, Timaru
Saturday 4 March: v Waratahs, Sydney
Saturday 11 March: v Brumbies, Canberra
Saturday 18 March: v Highlanders, Dunedin
Friday 24 March: v Hurricanes, Wellington
Saturday 1 April: v Reds, Durban
Saturday 8 April: Bye
Saturday 15 April: v Cats, Johannesburg
Saturday 22 April: v Blues, Durban
Saturday 29 April: v Bulls, Pretoria
Saturday 6 May: v Stormers, Durban
Friday 12 May: v Western Force, Durban