Sharks enter decisive period
1 Mar 2011
JON CARDINELLI writes that if the Sharks hope to maintain their status as conference leaders they will need to capitalise on a favourable tour draw.
Anything less that three wins will be a failure for John Plumtree’s men, who have to date eased to two comfortable victories. While the performances have been far from polished, their intensity and tactical appreciation have been unmatched. If they can add a dimension of accuracy to their game, they will trouble their tour opponents.
The Sharks play the Force this week, a team that so nearly upset the Reds in the opening round. The Force were typically stingy on defence and controlled possession for long periods. If not for their 25 handling errors, they may have inflicted as much damage to the scoreboard as they did to the Reds’ pack.
The bye arrived at a bad time for the Force, and they now have to start from scratch. They’ll host a Sharks team that’s built some momentum through two wins, a team that has a reputation for meeting aggressive forward challenges head on.
The Sharks travel to Melbourne thereafter to tackle the Rebels, a team that’s enjoyed mixed success. The win against the Brumbies was a magic moment for the Melbourne side, but the Sharks have nothing to fear as long as they stick to their game plan. They have the right mix of muscle and guile to outplay a Rebels side that is limited in key areas.
Next on the Sharks’ schedule is the Chiefs. While the men from Hamilton have always been known for their ability to counterattack, they used to hold a reputation as one of the tougher units at the breakdown. We’ve seen little evidence of this in the Chiefs’ first two games, however, and these failings have contributed to two defeats. The Sharks are a team that bullies opposing packs before unleashing the backline, and I suspect they will be especially tight against the Chiefs.
The final tour match is by far the toughest. If Plumtree harbours hopes of beating the Crusaders he will need to manage his squad cleverly in the preceding weeks. What is in the Sharks’ favour is that the Crusaders are likely to host this game at Trafalgar Park in Nelson, and so home ground advantage may not be as much a factor.
Winning at least three of these four clashes will keep them in the top two of the South African conference, while winning all four will keep them in pole position. They’re well placed now, and while there’s pressure to perform on this tour, it’s a pressure they need to embrace.
They showed good composure against the Blues last week, and will have further opportunities to put substandard sides away on the coming tour. If they can return from their Australasian sojourn with a three from four return, and ultimately a five from six record, they will be superbly-placed as they begin their home leg of the competition.
That first home game in round seven is against the Stormers, a team that hasn’t won in Durban since 2004. Thereafter, they will enjoy a bye.
The promising halfback pairing of Charl McLeod and Pat Lambie has dominated Super Rugby like they dominated the 2010 Currie Cup. Lambie has impressed with his distribution while his kicking game has also been crucial to the Sharks’ cause. McLeod may not offer as much in the tactical kicking department, but the Sharks have a good alternative to Lambie in fullback Louis Ludik, a player who was hugely influential against the Blues.
What’s been less impressive is the lack of synergy between Meyer Bosman and Lambie, as well as the centre combination of Bosman and Stefan Terblanche. That midfield is under pressure to produce in the coming weeks.
The Sharks’ inconsistent lineout and defence will also require sharpening. Terblanche hailed the latter aspect as a reason for victory last week, but the reality is the Sharks missed 20% of their tackles.
It may seem harsh to criticise a team that is yet to concede a try, but their defensive stats tell a story. The Sharks leaked eight linebreaks against the Blues, and had the Aucklanders not committed 29 handling errors, the contest may have been closer.
A sharper showing is required on tour, a four-game period that could be so crucial to the Sharks’ play-off prospects.
148 Comments
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1 Mar 2011, 09:02 am
@MTN RedLion Roars…(RL)-49: Ok, great. So we shouldn’t expect you to go scampering off like a coward if the Lions continue losing ? I would respect that – it would make you one of a kind amongst Lions supporters. Lets see if it happens.
I would be stupid not to recognize the improvement in the Lions, but I am also interested to know why after two losses the media were already ringing the alarm bell for the Sharks, whereas I have noticed nothing of the sort for the Lions yet ?
You do realize, your Lions that are going to end in the top 3 of the SA conference at the expense of the Sharks (according to what you said) are already 6 log points and 36 points on points difference behind after just two games ?
1 Mar 2011, 09:05 am
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-50: I must agree – Kankowski has yet to impress me in a Bok jersey, whereas Spies has done his bit – so, its a difficult one for the selectors.
I must just say that Spies looked like a chicken without a head against the Cheetahs, completing what was the ‘collaboration of the gaping maw’ in the Bulls midfield defense on Saturday. And its not the first time Spies has been pinged for his defensive issues.
I like Vermeulen – I think at least he brings a bit of grunt to the Nr 8 jersey. Something we havent seen at the Boks since Danie Rossouw wore that jersey in the 2007 World Cup final.
1 Mar 2011, 09:08 am
Its actually a decisive period for the Lions. Lets see what they can do against the Blues. If they can run them close then SA teams will be in a strong position, but if they get blown away by international competition, but continue to guts out the derby’s, its no good for us. Cheetahs and Lions need to get over their Xenophobia and actually man up vs the international sides. Otherwise they must just Fark off. I’m tired of these sides giving away 5 pointers to the tourists only to upset and injure the local sides. If you want us to take you seriously play well against the foreigners.
1 Mar 2011, 09:08 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-48: I accept their requests.
1 Mar 2011, 09:08 am
Dirty boi please stop smoking that **** … McLeod the second best scrumhalf LOL.
he is over rated … an illusion who is slow and has to get up to running speed before he can pass the ball … no kicking game to speak of … no variety at all.
he is a 26 year old VC quality player who spent 5 years of his life playing Vodacom cup rugby and git his break because the likes of Pienaar and Kocky decided to go to greener pastures.
no after FDP the next best is Hougaard, Pienaar and Pretorius.
1 Mar 2011, 09:12 am
@Taahirah(Taahirah)-54: Wow, that’s awesome! Do you get to ‘poke’ them as well?
Get a life. I mean a real one, in the real world, outside of facebook.
P.S. Just having a laugh, I mean, here I am on a blogsite! We are sooooo cool.
1 Mar 2011, 09:13 am
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-53: Precisely !
All the hype, all the pomp and ceremony for the ‘unveiling’ of new players contracted, all the talk and all the money in the world means nothing if you end up in the bottom 4 on the log yet again.
Time for the Lions to put their performances where their mouths are.
Cheetahs are a different story. They didn’t as much as make a squeak in the pre-season. No big mouth posturing from them. So, I am not sure if they themselves are expectant on any improvement.
1 Mar 2011, 09:15 am
@Dusky(Dusky)-51: because the Sharks were packed with Boks who had just won the tri-nations the year before and everyone expected – fairly or unfairly – for them to get out the blocks running. yet the team seemed to be in turmoil, the steve meyer saga, rumours that he Dup brothers wanted out and were against Smit etc.
the lions on the other hand are a bunch “replacements” that seem to have a semblance on cohesion about them which is a step up from the headless chickens they were last year…that’s the difference!
1 Mar 2011, 09:15 am
@MTN RedLion Roars…(RL)-55: Kockott didn’t leave for greener pastures chop – his contract wasn’t renewed by the Sharks. When he couldn’t find any other union prepare to house his enormously huge head, Brian Van Zyl offered him a ‘mercy contract’ of 6 months.
It was at that stage, the ‘desperate shoppers’ stepped in and signed him.
He didn’t leave out of choice. Get your facts straight.
1 Mar 2011, 09:15 am
@Taahirah(Taahirah)-54: and?
1 Mar 2011, 09:15 am
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-53:
Well said.
1 Mar 2011, 09:18 am
@Dusky(Dusky)-59: get your fact straight Dirty, he had a fall out with Plum and that’s why he was allowed to leave.
1 Mar 2011, 09:20 am
@MTN RedLion Roars…(RL)-55: McLeod is a new breed of retro-styled scrumhalves, who do their primary job very well. His service and decision making is excellent. Tactical kicking? Your 10 has a much better view of the field and can kick at lower trajectories, a 9 should supply him with quick, good service to allow the 10 to make the tactical decisions.
For too long SA scrumhalves have tried to copy FDP (read Pienaar, Hougaard and Kockett). FDP is a genius and came up in a time where we had no real good 10s who could control a game with their boot. His service is brilliant and he kicks well, but the others are very poor imitations often kicking too frequently and badly, not to mention taking ages to get the ball from a ruck.
Charl is at every ruck, often preventing turn-overs and provides Lambie with excellent service. This as a base Lambie can then choose the right decision as he has time, a valuable commodity.
By the way, did you watch the CC final. Charl’s chip for Mvovo, that was pretty good vision and kicking.
1 Mar 2011, 09:20 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-58: Steve Meyer is an idiot. I dont know what his story is, but he wont be playing for the Sharks again. Thanks to his equally idiotic girlfriend.
There was no ‘vibe’ between Smit and the Du Plessis brothers. That was media hype. I know that much for sure.
The Sharks problem was purely related to one thing. Juan Hernandez had trained all the routines right through the pre-season training with the Sharks. He then did something stupid and injured his back. Yes, they should have probably been prepared with a contingency plan, but 2 weeks before the Super 14 was due to start – the Sharks had no flyhalf.
Andy Goode was flown in from England, and met the team for the FIRST time in Christchurch while they were preparing to take on the Crusaders.
Despite all of that, the Sharks points difference from 4 of their 5 losses was -11. Less than two converted tries.
That – is the true, media unadulterated version of what happened to the Sharks last year.
I praise the Lions for their improvement – no doubt. But, I thought from all the hype we were going to see a runaway win for them this year. I mean, they were Super 15 champs before the competition even started !? 2 losses from 2….not a good start for that hey ?
1 Mar 2011, 09:21 am
The S.A conference all looks a bit too predictable, in no specific order, the top 3 will undoubtedly be, Stormers, Bulls and Sharks. The Lions had two close games, and there are massive improvements, but you can have the coach and a whole host of new faces and lots of money,but you not coming back to win a super rugby tournament after a 13 on the trot losing streak from last year (now 15). It will take another season or two before they will really be competitive. The Cheetahs on the other hand, have not much depth in their squad, and not enough big game breakers. Juan Smith is out and that will make it even harder. They have Ashleigh Johnson that is in great form, but no one to back him up. Their backs are not looking all that sharp and no one really that will be a threat, to sides like the Caders and Canes. But i must admit, i thought, and besides his goal kicking, Naas Olivier had a brilliant game against the bulls.
Its going to be a three way battle between, sharks, stormers, bulls…who will finish on top is to be seen and it is going to be close. Lions, Cheetahs, maybe next year.
1 Mar 2011, 09:21 am
kokkerot is much faster than jano anyway! and he kicks much better than quota elton!
1 Mar 2011, 09:22 am
@MTN RedLion Roars…(RL)-62: No – his contract was not renewed. That’s what appears in the records. Nothing about any fall out with Plum.
Sharks didn’t want Kockott any more – you saved us having to pay him for another 6 months.
Same with Murray.
1 Mar 2011, 09:23 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-58: The Lions will probably buy Steve Meyer. They buy anything that comes available – so, he should try his luck there.
1 Mar 2011, 09:30 am
@Dusky(Dusky)-67: of course you will believe the official Shark spin and ignore all of the Dirty stories if the fallout between Plum and Kocky, hey Dirty.
1 Mar 2011, 09:31 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-60: Thats it, Im practically engaged.
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-56:
1 Mar 2011, 09:31 am
“The Brumbies have fired their coach Andy Friend just two games into the Super Rugby season after reports of a bust-up with the players.
Friend has been replaced by his assistant coach Tony Rea as coach after a board meeting, days after the team suffered a shock one-point defeat to new team the Melbourne Rebels on Friday. They had won their opening match.”
1 Mar 2011, 09:33 am
@MTN RedLion Roars…(RL)-62: Dude – I know how badly you guys want a win. I was actually cheering for the Lions against the Stormers because I know how much it will mean to them. I was watching the game with a mate of mine that is a Lions supporter, and I could see the disappointment after the game.
It will come – but you guys have set very high expectations for your team in what is essentially still a rebuilding phase for them.
As things stand, I think the Lions will be pretty much untouched by Springbok selections – so, perhaps the Currie Cup will be a good one for the Lions this year. In fact, I would go as far as to predict the Lions will do well in the Currie Cup this year.
1 Mar 2011, 09:36 am
@MTN RedLion Roars…(RL)-69: I actually suspect that your story could be right. Kockott lost favour at the Sharks for some or other reason – that is clear to see. So – you could be right.
But – fact remains, his contract was not renewed at the Sharks. He was offered a 6 month extension, but at the same time was approached by the Lions and accepted. I think had he been approached by the Cheetahs, Bulls or Stormers he would have accepted as well.
That’s the real story from what I know.
1 Mar 2011, 09:36 am
@Dusky(Dusky)-64: i thought you asked RL about the first two games and why the “media” branded the Sharks losses a disaster while they seem to still be cutting the lions some slack. the sharks lost 18 – 19 to the Chiefs and then 20 – 25 to the Cheetahs with Dumond @ 10 with Ruan coming off the bench.
1 Mar 2011, 09:36 am
@MTN RedLion Roars…(RL)-69: No, Kockett was unhappy cause Charl was keeping him out, obviously he had a fall out with Plum. Good riddance.
Years back Kockett said to one of my mates at his Bulls party “Do you know who I am? **** Muir says I’m the next big thing.”
Kockett has always been a disruptive, arrogant arsehole. I for one prefer Charl’s no nonsense, humble attitude. He’s a brilliant player.
1 Mar 2011, 09:38 am
I see Schalk Burger Snr has had a dispute with his domestic ( I don’t think that’s quite the same as a “domestic dispute” but you never know
) and both have laid charges of assault against each other.
I’m sure the Anti Schalk brigade will lap this up.
1 Mar 2011, 09:40 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-74: The answer is pedigree, Transie. The Sharks have a winning pedigree and have expectations to win, whilst the Lions have a losing pedigree and have expectations to lose badly. Losing close is way above most expectations for the Lions!!
1 Mar 2011, 09:42 am
@Dusky(Dusky)-64: you’re being facetious sure re the lions. their fans had nothing to look forward for many years, now things started happening and they were/are hopeful, why do you feel the need to ridicule that?
from a base of losing 13 games in a row, mitchell said winning games remains a priority but another factor he wants to develop more pertinently is a style of play or culture.
1 Mar 2011, 09:43 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-74: That’s perfectly correct. I doubt Monty Dumond was originally part of the Sharks plans as first choice flyhalf – yet there was little recognition or ‘mercy’ provided in the media for their predicament.
The Lions have had exactly the same start this year, uncannily similar except that they are playing with the flyhalf they expected to play with. But obviously the expectations for the Lions are much lower because I haven’t seen close to the amount of media coverage about the Lions two opening losses.
1 Mar 2011, 09:44 am
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-77: Nail on the head.
1 Mar 2011, 09:44 am
Betting odds : Elton to be the next Earl Rose …. 1/1!
1 Mar 2011, 09:45 am
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-77: well said, so why does that seem to escape your fellow sharkie Dusky?
1 Mar 2011, 09:45 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-78: Ok – I did say I am prepared to acknowledge that there is an improvement, but in the greater scope of the Super 15 tournament, two opening losses are two opening losses.
1 Mar 2011, 09:46 am
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-76: Jaaaaaaaaa. Not sure what to make of it. Im sure Gunther has had many run-ins with Maevis which were much more volatile.
Bit of a non-story in my opinion.
1 Mar 2011, 09:48 am
@Ratel Brussow(Morne Steyn is under-rated)-77: Pedigrees? Come on, you dont want to start swinging Muirs in public. Im pretty sure the Lions have won more Currie Cup and Super Rugby titles than your Sharkies…
1 Mar 2011, 09:49 am
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-76:
She said he grabbed her clothes in front of her chest and that she then grabbed his clothes as well. She apparently fell down during the row.
it must have been love but it’s over now.
1 Mar 2011, 09:53 am
@Taahirah(Taahirah)-85: Transvaal won the Super 10 in 1993.
Regarding the Currie Cup – depends how far you want to go back.
1 Mar 2011, 09:53 am
@Pinky Kekana kills Beemer buys Merc(gunther)-86:
‘Must have been love’ 
1 Mar 2011, 09:54 am
@Taahirah(Taahirah)-85: winning pedigree 3 Super titles in 4 years for the Bulls, they have it … fish 3 CC titles in 10 years, so what.
Fish please explain that pedigree
1 Mar 2011, 09:56 am
@Pinky Kekana kills Beemer buys Merc(gunther)-86: Maybe she didn’t enjoy the joyride.
1 Mar 2011, 09:56 am
@Taahirah(Taahirah)-84:
nobody dares have a run in with Maevis.
she is far too politically connected.
Gupta is her middle name.
1 Mar 2011, 09:57 am
@MTN RedLion Roars…(RL)-89: So what ?
It’s only 2 Currie Cup titles in 10 years, so allow me to correct you there.
I would however rather have 2 in the last 10 years than none in the last 10 years.
1 Mar 2011, 09:57 am
@Dusky(Dusky)-87: Exactly. Doesnt “pedigree” imply going all the way back?
I mean he didnt say “recent” pedigree, did he?
1 Mar 2011, 09:58 am
fish boys I will return later to read more about your pedigree, maybe you can use some of Smit’s aura for some inspiration.
1 Mar 2011, 09:58 am
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-90: Maybe she was fading like a flower ?
1 Mar 2011, 09:59 am
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-90:
more likely he was giving her the look.
1 Mar 2011, 10:01 am
@Taahirah(Taahirah)-93: Sure – then the Sharks don’t have the Lions pedigree, which at this point is actually fine with me.
I know the oomies with their multitone khaki shirts, short sleeve pant and velskoens like to argue about who won the most Currie Cups going back to 1889, but its hardly a topic that excites me.
Knock yourselves out though.
1 Mar 2011, 10:01 am
I’m just wondering, what will happen if the Lions also go through this whole season without winning a game. That then must be some kind of record for being the worst professional team in history, of any kind of sport. I mean it will be something like a 30+ losing streak. Now that will be a shocker, and it is not impossible either, they proved they could do it last year. Anyway, just a thought.
1 Mar 2011, 10:02 am
@Pinky Kekana kills Beemer buys Merc(gunther)-96: Maybe he wasn’t listening to her heart ?
1 Mar 2011, 10:03 am
@MTN RedLion Roars…(RL)-89: i think the “winning pedigree” the Sharks fans are referring to is something Wooden Spoon alluded to earlier this year, that on average the Sharks have finished higher on the log than all the other franchises, meaning even though they haven’t his the summit they’ve been hanging about there for quite a while.
the cheetahs have won currie cups in the recent past so i don’t know if they ca also refer to themselves as possessing “winning pedigree”, quite complicated
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