Reshuffled Sharks wary of Sunwolves
GONE are the days, for the Sharks as well as South African Rugby, when a win was a forgone conclusion. The proud union from Durban, four-time Super Rugby finalists, are in a real tussle to beat a team from Japan, playing in Singapore, with only one and a half season’s worth of experience, and only a single win. And it is an important win to chase at that.
The Sunwolves have picked up two wins, and a draw, in their entire existence, yet they are considered a major threat to the Sharks whose season could well and truly be derailed should they fail to beat the Japanese team.
South African fans need no reminding about the threat from the Far East, having experienced their own dark days in 2015, at the World Cup.
And the Sharks will also have scars, and fresh ones to boot, about what the underdog team can do to them after drawing with the Rebels, and of course, losing to the Kings.
But this weekend’s game is about more than just keeping up appearances, or making right in the natural rugby order of things.
It is about staying alive in the competition, and making the knock-outs, but also proving that the team can play a brand of rugby that could actually threaten in the quarter-finals – a New Zealand team as it will likely be.
The Sharks got a lifeline when they lost to the Kings, as the Jaguares also slipped up against another woeful side in the Force – in Argentina as well. It allowed the Durban side to feel no ill effects on the log, but it is unlikely they will get off that easy again.
The Sharks need the points against the Sunwolves, and to be honest, they should be aiming for five.
Following their Singapore duty, they face a barrage of local beef in the Bulls, Stormers and Lions, where anything could happen.
However, just when coach Robert du Preez would be looking for a bit of a break, things have again turned on their head. After welcoming back his captain and star player for a starting role against the Kings, Pat Lambie was quickly back in the injury list, along with Jeremy Ward and Rhyno Smith.
This has necessitated some shifting in the backs, starting right from No 9, where Michael Claassens has been ruled out while in SIngapore with an injury tweak done in training.
Rowan Gouws has flown out to sit on the bench while Springbok Cobus Reinach starts.
He will service Garth April, who retains his place after coming on for Lambie last week. As the only recognised No 12 left, Namibian Johan Deysel get his first start while Lwazi Mvovo shifts to fullback and Sbu Nkosi gets another chance to shine.