SHARKS RECRUITMENT BALANCE

In the negative as they have lost Patrick Lambie and while injury has curtailed his involvement in recent years, no one wants to lose a player of his experience and standing.

Other than that, the Sharks scrub up much the same way although they might miss bruising, seasoned loose forward Jean Deysel more than they imagine.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT TACTICALLY?

The Sharks had their moments last year. Played with a directness and pace that was quite thrilling. They just didn’t have enough of those moments.

They do at least have a blueprint on what works for them – big runners coming round the corner and the confidence to push it wider than feels natural to them.

GUT FEEL – RISERS OR FALLERS?

Neither. These guys are stuck in a time warp. They don’t seem to get better or worse but will most likely be the same old mix of good, bad, indifferent and entirely forgettable.

WHERE WILL THEY FINISH?

In the middle of the pack like always.