The Sharks then have to come home to the Hurricanes and the Brumbies, games that could easily go south for the Sharks should the ball bounce the 'other' way or some crap Australian ref (where do they all come from??) have another nightmare with the whistle.

Suddenly the today's log leaders could be in mid table, winning at 57% instead of 100% that were at 17 days before, and boarding a plane for their 4-week tour to Australasia that includes the two top sides that NZ and Aus can currently put on the park.

Also, injuries have started to bite into Dicks ideal run-on 22. BJ Botha was sorely missed on Saturday, especially with Kees Lensing playing in the Vodacom Cup team away from home and not available. Monty looks to be out for a few games, as does Smit and Barrett, with Frans Steyn back only in a fortnight. On the bright side though, with guys like Bob Skinstadt, Andries Strauss, Kees Lensing and Henno Mentz in the reserves, there is a lot of depth that Muir can call on.

These next three games will be pivotal for the Sharks, and although the results to date have been great, they will have to up their game considerably and look to take points in at least two of their next three matches should their intend to stay on track for a semi berth.

A big ask, but something the Sharks will just have to do to to justify the faith their supporters have put in them of late or they, and those of us who support them, will be coming back to earth with a thud.

The proof will be in the pudding.