 Summary:
The Sharks ended top of the log in 2007.
This Shark team has a
youthful look when you compare age but if you look at the names it is
totally different.
There is some real quality and depth in this team and
they haven’t lost that many players. They will be itched to take it one
further in 2008 after had the heart break in 2007 in losing in the final minute.
The quality youth players would have learnt from the experience and played a
important role to win the Webb Ellis trophy in France. Now they will have full
confidence and will hopefully take it into S14 2008 rugby.
The Sharks may
lacked just a little bit of experience in 2007, andhave lost a lot of this in
their player losses but they their youngsters from 2007 with the experience of
finals football to turn to.
Player Losses:
NH: John Smith, Percy Montgomery, Butch James & Warren
Brits. Retired: Bobby Skinstadt. Other province: Gcobani Bobo (Stormers)
Player Gains:
Frederic Michalak (France), Jannie Doep (Cheetahs),
Stephan Terblanche (NH) and Epi Taione (Tonga),
Players to Watch:
The exciting part of Sharks rugby. Year back some
raw youth talent making the S14 and national stepup.
Experience:
Like the Bulls they will look at their WC winning Bokke to carry the same
confidence from 2007 into the S14 series. Players like JP Pietersen, Francois
Steyn, Ruaan Pienaar, Andre Muller, BJ Botha & Doep brothers. AJ Venter in his
swansong season and internationals Frederick Michalak and Epi Taione.
Talented Youngsters:
Bradley Barrit, Waylon Murray, Ryan Kankowski and The Beast and then some raw
talent in Keegan Daniels, Ricardo Blignaut and Alistair Hargreaves.
Challenges:
The Sharks have quality right across the park. Their biggest challenge will be
to be more constant and not to lose the easy games. In the past they’ll beat the
best team away and the next weekend they’ll lose against a weak team at home.
Calendar:
Western Force (H), Stormers (H), Bulls (A), Blues (H), Lions (A), Reds
(H), Hurricanes (A), Highlanders (A), Brumbies (A), Waratahs (A), Crusaders
(A), Cheetahs (H), Chiefs (H)
A very similar draw as 2007 and they will be satisfied with it. Their tour is a
bit of a joke and the most difficult part of their calendar, playing in NZ, then
Aus, back to NZ , Aus and NZ again..
Rating:
My personal favourite to go all the way in 2008.
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