Errant Sharks don’t inspire confidence
14 Jun 2011
JON CARDINELLI writes the Sharks need to address their own inconsistencies at the tackle before they can even think about targeting the Bulls’ weaknesses.
Last Saturday, the Bulls’ superior lineout display and relentless high-ball tactics forced the Stormers to make mistakes. It was an effective game plan against the best defensive side in the tournament, and it’s a game plan that could prove even more effective against the Sharks.
The Sharks’ problems on defence are related to their problems on attack. Indeed it has been the inability to boss the collisions and their tendency to spill ball in contact that has provided the opposition with turnovers all season.
Their proud defensive record in terms of tries conceded (26) doesn’t tell the full story of a campaign that could have been. Had they displayed more respect for possession and adopted a more balanced game plan, they would be in a more secure and confident position.
In the 10 matches following their Round 5 loss to the Chiefs, the Sharks have drifted between the mediocre and the diabolical. The most interesting and damning stats are those related to missed tackles and handling errors. These defensive blunders and butter fingers could cost them a place in the play-offs.
Forget the fact that the Sharks managed to win five of their last 10 matches. They’ve averaged 21 missed tackles a game, and have been fortunate to edge some tight encounters where their first-time tackling was downright embarrassing.
The Cheetahs clash was a classic example. They missed a whopping 48 tackles, but still managed to scrape through for an undeserved victory.
The Sharks’ coaches have finally realised that the defence needs work, but certain adjustments also need to be made to their game plan. They began the season with an overly attacking approach that did produce some spectacular tries, but the problem with this style has become evident as the season has progressed.
When it doesn’t come off, it gifts the opposition turnovers and opportunities. When you are running everything from all parts of the field, you become predictable and thus easier to contain and control.
For all of their attacking reputation, the Sharks have spent a lot of time defending. It’s because of their handling mistakes and refusal to play for field position before unleashing their runners that they’ve exhausted their defence and racked up the missed tackle count.
If they hope to prosper against the the Bulls, they need to improve on defence and with ball in hand. The Sharks need to keep the errors to a minimum, because as seen by the Bulls’ recent display at Newlands, they are very good when it comes to punishing opposition mistakes.
But the Sharks should also avoid making the same tactical errors as the Stormers. The Cape side went into the clash with a premeditated plan to keep the ball in hand, even if it meant trying to build an attack from their own 22. The plan backfired horribly as the Bulls kept kicking on the Stormers’ back three and then feeding off their mistakes.
Handling and defence are not the only areas where the Sharks have struggled for consistency. Composure and drive has been lacking over the last 10 matches, especially in the first half.
They’ve trailed at half-time on seven occasions, and have gone on to win just twice. When other play-off contenders like the Crusaders, Bulls and Stormers (twice) have held the lead at the break, they’ve proceeded to finish the Sharks off in the second half.
A win is needed at Loftus for the Sharks to progress in this competition, but to achieve the improbable, they will have to produce an improved defensive and tactical decision making display, and ensure they start well.
In short, it’s going to take an atypical performance for the Sharks to succeed.
296 Comments
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14 Jun 2011, 17:53 pm
@grant10(grant10)-237: Much better thanks. Appreciate all the wishes of support!
14 Jun 2011, 17:54 pm
@Michael(mikeybrass)-249: perhaps…
but i am correct
the smit problem will probably send sharks into oblivion this weekend
and may cost the boks
like lasy year 5…1 tri nations loss with the aura at the helm
you cant hide at this level
it is so clear he is finished
6 love
all over rover
goodnite nurse
and beast and bissy suffering on bench for this wally
14 Jun 2011, 17:54 pm
@Puma(Puma)-244: Yeah Smit & Spies … they must really be something incredible, because their performance controls the outcomes of the Sharks and Bulls franchises ha ha ha
14 Jun 2011, 17:54 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-251: great my man….awesome news!
14 Jun 2011, 17:54 pm
@Michael(mikeybrass)-250: I like the kiwis..hehe.
Have met a few in my time and they have all be great blokes. Have a kiwi couple that live in the same street as me. They have lived here for years. Nice people.
14 Jun 2011, 17:55 pm
@kevin w(kevin w)-253: thought you were only posting at ruggaworld?
14 Jun 2011, 17:55 pm
@Puma(Puma)-255: meant = been great blokes.
14 Jun 2011, 17:55 pm
@grant10(grant10)-252: yes and you conveniently forget that we lost to Scotland, yes the botoom feeders of rugby, without him so if you take off the blinkers you will see that the entire Bok squad was lacking last year.
14 Jun 2011, 17:56 pm
@Michael(mikeybrass)-250: Urgh, when will I learn to proof-read before hitting send…
I meant, “It is human nature to be one-eyed idiots on select matters in life, …”
14 Jun 2011, 17:56 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-251: Hope you son is a lot better buddy.
14 Jun 2011, 17:56 pm
@grant10(grant10)-256: never even been on the website … i’ll have to check it out
14 Jun 2011, 17:57 pm
@kevin w(kevin w)-253: Yeah, genius wizards who single-handedly control the destiny of their entire teams… lol.
14 Jun 2011, 17:57 pm
puma….last question
why do you think so many people saying the same thing about Plod?
Anyway….you okes are not blind…best of luck vs Bulls…i am firmly in your sharks camp.
cheers all
outta here
14 Jun 2011, 17:57 pm
@kevin w(kevin w)-258: Exactly. Losing to the Abs is no disgrace, but losing to the Scots sure as heck is.
@kevin w(kevin w)-253:
14 Jun 2011, 17:58 pm
@Puma(Puma)-255: One of my best friends from high school emigrated to Kiwiland. I have some Kiwis as friends. Doesn’t stop the teasing
Open targets, though the Wallies take the cake 
14 Jun 2011, 17:59 pm
And Plum rested Bismark because he knew how crucial the Bulls game might be.
14 Jun 2011, 18:00 pm
Sharks problems are much deeper than just one or two players, it is the management of talent across all levels as a whole which is concerning.
14 Jun 2011, 18:01 pm
@Michael(mikeybrass)-265: They great though. We have a good laugh here too with each other. Good blokes.
14 Jun 2011, 18:02 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-267: Correct as usual.
14 Jun 2011, 18:03 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-267: Then why do they consistently finish in the top 6 and have a cc trophy in the cabinet?
14 Jun 2011, 18:04 pm
@grant10(grant10)-247: I´m with you on that one Grant. In the kingdom of the blind the one eyed are kings. Nuff said.Up yers Michael.
14 Jun 2011, 18:07 pm
according to the stats bissy had an immediate effect when he entered the field:on attack
ball carries:plod 3
bissy6
metres gained: plod 11
bissy 34
as the stats prove bissy provided the sharks with far greater momentum than plod.all in all if plod had stayed on the field the sharks would have lost the game.go that same route pdv and you are going to gamble away the world cup in september.
14 Jun 2011, 18:07 pm
@grant10(grant10)-263:
Mostly because a bunch of fanatical Luke Watson supporters started a crusade against Smit. Repeat something often enough and more people will mistake it for the truth unfortunately.
14 Jun 2011, 18:10 pm
@Puma(Puma)-268: Yeah not as tensed up as the Aussies sometimes. A couple of Kiwis on this blog give the rest a bad name in virtual life. Loyal people and friends. Hell, they are the educated convicts
14 Jun 2011, 18:11 pm
@Slumtown(Slumtown)-271: Love ye too bud.
14 Jun 2011, 18:12 pm
@gunther is nazi-loving german rent-boy(Valkyrie)-272: The other replacements were on the field too. It’s about the creation of space, teams tiring, etc etc etc.
14 Jun 2011, 18:13 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-267: That is true. Locks are medium level efficient. Theyre good players but not outstanding.
Main problem comes in in the backline. No centres to speak of. Ludik has been ok as well at fullback but not brilliant either.
14 Jun 2011, 18:13 pm
@kevin w(kevin w)-270: Just because they do doesn’t mean there aren’t problems…
Terblanche and Bosman at centre. Yikes.
14 Jun 2011, 18:14 pm
@Michael(mikeybrass)-275: lol. Likewise Michael – even in death we still chant – we love you Michael – just dont go dangling no babies off balconies anymore ya hear?
14 Jun 2011, 18:17 pm
@kevin w(kevin w)-270:
Mate if you judge success based on the CC be my guest.
The fact that they continually finish in the top 6 of Super Rugby but always end up being the bridesmaids should tell you there is a problem.
14 Jun 2011, 18:17 pm
@Slumtown(Slumtown)-279: *bows to the Queen*
14 Jun 2011, 18:18 pm
@Michael(mikeybrass)-276: true,but you can’t deny the stats and the fact that bissy provided the spark to that shark forward pack.
14 Jun 2011, 18:18 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-280: Exactly.
Off for the day. Bye ladies
14 Jun 2011, 18:19 pm
@gunther is nazi-loving german rent-boy(Valkyrie)-282: Stats provide raw data. How the data is interpreted and used is another matter.
Anyways, off!
14 Jun 2011, 18:20 pm
@gunther is feeling bullish(gunther)-206:
will the Real Gunther please raise his hand ?!?
14 Jun 2011, 18:27 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-235:
I doubt it
Although the Sharks won much more games with Smit at LH and Bissie at hooker in 2010-2011 than when they played the Beast
It will land Plumtree in hot water
14 Jun 2011, 18:28 pm
according to the stats bryan habana and jaco taute were the two most industrious and threatening players on attack this past saturday in the saffa conference.it becomes clearer by the day why pdv and ac will always select him
14 Jun 2011, 18:31 pm
You dont have to know alot about rugby to have seen the difference bismarck made when he replaced js.he could actually run around and play some rugby while john drags himself from one ruck to the next.Dony think his captaincy is of any value when he cant carry his no anymore.
14 Jun 2011, 18:35 pm
@gunther is nazi-loving german rent-boy(Valkyrie)-287:
I stopped counting Habana’s out of position on defence against the Bulls, it just that Styen hasn’t got the kick out of hand to pin Habana down and exploit the holes.
That magician Sadie would have done 10 folds better
14 Jun 2011, 18:35 pm
@TIGER OATS(TIGER OATS)-288: good luck trying to convince shark fans and other smit fans.i provided them with stats about bissy’s potency but they shot me down with the argument that stats mean nothing.
14 Jun 2011, 18:39 pm
the ref is ******** the scots big-time in this u20 game.
14 Jun 2011, 18:40 pm
@TIGER OATS(TIGER OATS)-288: imo Bismarck is the best hooker in the world but the Lions forwards also gassed, he came on at a good time. Smit was on when the Lions pack played like men possessed. There’s room for both of them in the Sharks and Bok sides, in fact, given it’s a WC year rotation is not only preferable but necessary.
Anyway, all the focus on one player is illusory, saying more about personal, provincial and political agendas than about the sport of rugby union.
14 Jun 2011, 19:39 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-280: If there management of players is so bad, why are they consistently in the top half of the teams competing? Why not say that the majority of the teams management is poor. Why single out the Sharks.
For a team that is always doing everything wrong, they sure do have a better track record than everyone else. It’s the same as everyone’s obsession with Smit or Spies … they look for only what they do wrong while they only look at the good things other players do. Why do we never see stats at the breakdown for penalties conceded Smit vs Bismark or foul play stats or ball lost in contact or turnovers due to not passing (Bissie is great, probably the best right now, but this constant obsession with finding fault with the Sharks and Smit is like a f2cking stuck record.
Take this weekend, all we ever heard about was Vermeulen and Fourie or Liebenberg. Vermeulen was cr@p and was more intersted in playing the man than game … Fourie and Liebenberg were absolute **** at throwing in the lineout … no mention of it, but Spies is hauled over the coals. Same goes for Wynand Olivier & Habana … these players have to produce flippin miracles whle these new sideshows are just ignored on poor performances but offered up to the gods when they have a reasonably good game.
Ok, there’s my rant.
14 Jun 2011, 19:54 pm
@kevin w(kevin w)-293:
Best way I can respond is to paste something I wrote elsewhere today;
Back your boykies!
I had to borrow this slogan from the Varsity Cup simply because it best describes why some teams seem to be on the up, and others going down.
A couple of weeks ago I shared some thoughts on coaching highlighting the principles of Reds coach, Ewen McKenzie. For those who missed it, the key areas for successful coaching according to McKenzie basically came down to recruitment, retention and team culture.
As we approach the end of the first season of Super Rugby, it is interesting to look back specifically at South African teams and how they performed this year.
Even though the Lions and Cheetahs find themselves in the bottom half of the log yet again, there seems to be a feeling of accomplishment associated with those teams rather than the doom and gloom which is usually associated with them at the end of a Super Rugby season.
Both teams at times played some scintillating rugby knocking over some big teams in the process, and recording some surprising victories on tour. The Lions’ season of course is over, but their performance in their last match in which they held the star-studded Sharks side to a dramatic 30-all draw at Coke Park will go a long way to instil some sort of confidence amongst their supporters and the South African rugby public in general.
The Cheetahs will close off their campaign this weekend against the table-topping Stormers, and I will be surprised if you find one supremely confident Stormers supporter out there this week as they prepare to travel to icy Bloemfontein where they have to record a win to qualify for a home semi.
Both teams, their coaches and their fans will tell you there is a lot of work that still needs to be done at both unions or franchises, but there is no doubt that these teams are on an upward curve.
Analyzing the seasons of these teams, one thing sticks out to me; ‘When the situation demanded it, they backed their boykies!’.
Of course, much of this can be argued to be the result of the teams’ inability to recruit outside talent either based on lack of financial muscle, or players currently unable to move to new teams because of existing contracts in place. We also know that injuries played a big part in certain players being forced, rather than backed to step up, but the end result remains the same, they stepped up big time.
The Cheetahs started their season seemingly backing the ‘tried and tested’ players and combinations, and where some are world class, others are decidedly average. It was also not a case of players starting their professional careers that made the step up, in fact, many of them have been waiting in the wings for some time, names like Ashley Johnson, Sarel Pretorius, Robert and Sias Ebersohn, are just a few who had a massive impact for their team in this year’s competition.
The Lions’ story is similar. Although they had the cash, their timing on recruiting quality players was off resulting in the team and coach being forced to risk the untried and untested. Names like Minnie, Strauss, Murray (prior to injury), Van Rensburg and Killian are a few youngsters who suddenly had some tongues wagging given their on-field contributions at Super Rugby level.
But it is not just the teams languishing at the bottom of the log that we can highlight. The Stormers seemed to have turned a corner in their retention policy too. Names like Kitshoff, Elstadt, Cronje, Schroeder, Van Aswegen, Coleman, Poolman, Sadie, Engelbrecht were all called upon for the Super Rugby competition at some stage and for most, impressed all in sundry with their performances.
The Bulls for years have been known to bring through young talent, and although they are stuttering their way into play-off contention, a look at their back up players that will take over from next year once the old-guard ships off, and the experience they will have amongst themselves, ensures that the Blue Machine will keeping on steaming ahead in 2012.
It is one team however that left me perplexed as I watched the match at Coke Park last Saturday. Apart from the Bulls, the Sharks has arguably been one of the best teams in South African rugby in the last decade especially given their performances at Super Rugby level. They are a team blessed with many Springboks, past and present, but lately, their player retention and player recruitment policies seems to have taken a massive dive.
In the last 4 to 5 years, the Sharks have lost many players, and although this is not new in professional rugby for any team, the fact that many of these players are well below the age of 30 or even 25, and who replaced them either through recruitment or development, must even have the most passionate Sharks supporter slightly worried.
It cannot be blamed on lack of finances available, or the lack of talent coming through the ranks of the academy or their successful U/19, U/21 and Vodacom Cup structures, so just why the Sharks currently seem unable to ‘back their boykies’, remains a bit of a mystery.
I don’t propose to know the players and their levels of skills currently waiting in the wings in the Sharks setup intimately, also not that I am a better talent scout than the gentleman within the union at various levels currently, but what I do know is that it was rather embarrassing for a union with such riches and reputation to be taught a rugby lesson at Coke Park last Saturday against a bunch of relatively unknown players at this level.
Don’t get me wrong, it is great to be able to see rugby geniuses like Michalak play Super Rugby, but you also have to sit back and ask at the expense of who, or what?
It’s actually quite ironic, the one player who sparked the amazing comeback for the Sharks being 9-30 down at one stage to end-up on 30-all at full time, was one of the very few youngsters the Sharks did decide to back in the last couple of years, Pat Lambie. Perhaps there is a lesson in that…
14 Jun 2011, 20:20 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-294: Good post.
But I will add as this is a blog and we all have opinions. The Cheetahs and the Lions have always been threats in derbies, they had more this year than any other in Super Rugby.
The star studded Sharks last weekend?? JP and Lambie may be stars, the rest of that backline is pretty ordinary.
The Sharks have lost a lot of players, but then again so has South African rugby due to money abroad. I see it as a compliment in some ways that the players they put on the international stage are the ones that are bought. Toulon did not throw a huge contract at Jantjes, they threw it at Frans. We’ve lost the Pienaars and the Barritts of the world, but then again … is it not thanks to the Sharks that they developed into the player that was offered a contract. I see it in a different light and its the same for any career. When someone gets promoted, i feel like i have accomplished something. I’m not the person that blocks a career because he is too good for my cause.
The Sharks have misfired in the centre, where they have always been strong (Thompson; halstead; Barritt) – losing Murray was a mistake, but then again Plum probably thought he had the Riaan Swanepoel of last year available. Strauss has been the most inconsistent centre in SA over the years … great for 2 games, mediocre for 5, cr@p for 3.
Bissie and Smit – its rotation, get over yourselves, and all the conspiracy theories.
Michalak – WC year, lots of players unavailable for long periods (Mcleod and Lambie potentially). World class scrumhalf / flyhalf – masterstroke in my opinion.
I reckon the future leader of the Boks could be Hargreaves … so i think people should stop finding fault with the Sharks and really look if other teams have that much better in the respective positions with depth and backup.
14 Jun 2011, 20:23 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-153: You have no clue what you posted. If you had, you would be embarresed
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