The Sharks

Have a largely settled squad and numerous Springboks, including the Springbok captain John Smit.

However they lack the x-factor and the ability to win pressure games. In 2009 they started off brilliantly before losing their way mid season.

The weak points from 2009 remain. The lack of a decent flyhalf to give them direction, and a centre combination who can set up the attack and get the backline going.

The backline has good talent out wide with JP Pietersen, Odwa Ndungane, Luzuko Vulindlu and Stefan Terblanche. If Adi Jacobs is not injured and gets to play at 12, the Sharks have a chance, but unfortunately they need a centre who can run straight and put the outside backs into space. That hasn’t happened in the entire time I’ve seen John Plumtree in charge.

Steve Meyer is returning to Durban from Perpignan, but I still believe Ruan Pienaar is the Sharks best bet at flyhalf. He doesn’t seem to want to play there, and the lack of direction he has when playing for the Sharks is a worry. I fear John Plumtree doesn’t want to work with the players in the best interests of the national side.

The loss of Francois Steyn probably won’t hurt them, with better all round players available instead.

In the forwards the Sharks will still have a formidable pack. They’ll miss Albert van den Berg more they they thought but there are still plenty of Springboks in the front row, locks and loose forwards. With that sort of personnel you’d expect much better results. it shows the coach is not getting the best out of this side. They lack the close bond, pride and passion of a side like the Bulls.

Their attitude is apparent when they always complain that summer conditions in Durban do not allow running rugby and make the ball slippery. It’s the same in Brisbane and yet I’ve never heard the Reds complain. Actually I’ve never heard the oppostition complain in Durban either! To win the Super 14 you can’t make excuses!

On paper this is a good side, on the field a poor one. It will be a long season for the Sharks. They’ll no doubt win games we don’t expect them to, and lose the ones they shouldn’t.

Watch out for: Their new uniform. A throw back to the 90’s with a black strip and sponsored by Reebok. it may be their highlight of the season!

Prediction: Middle of the pack