Sharks would like to run like the Wolves

THE SUNWOLVES have always been a bit of a mysterious team with Japanese rugby only recently starting to permeate the mainstream.

They are renowned for being quick and skilful, but this Super Rugby side has also been prone to shocking a team or two along the way.

The Sharks will be playing their first game of Super Rugby against a side that has never really pushed for higher honours, but always provides a tough, and different, challenge to their opponents. But at least for the Sharks, they will be accustomed to the weather conditions.

“There is no easy start to a Super Rugby campaign, but going to Singapore, it will be the same conditions we feel as Durban, with the humidity; it is an awesome place to play,” Sharks captain Louis Schreuder, pictured, said before the team headed off to the Far East.

“We do not know anything about the Sunwolves this year, they have not played any warm up games, we do not know their team, but it is the start of the season so it is a must win and a big game for us. I do know a lot of guys who are in Japan, especially the international guys, and they are quality players so they will be able to put up a strong team.”

The Sharks will be hoping that they can show their attacking intent when they do take to the field in Singapore, after their showing in the pre-season warm up games was quite low on tries.

“Are we satisfied with where we are? It’s yes and no, obviously we wanted to score a few more tries in the warm ups but I think we played two solid games, against good opposition and we are eager and keen to get started,” the captain added.

“I am very excited to see what we can do, obviously we have not really peak in the pre-season, but that is not where you want to peak, so for me, ideally, it is all about seeing the team function from Saturday, and excited to see us get going.”

The Sharks also showed their hand when they faced the Bulls in Ballito, starting a side that the coach admitted would more than likely be his chosen selection for the Sunwolves. However, the men from Durban also threw some of their young talent in – including some Under-19s – and found out they could swim, rather than sink.

“The youngsters really put their hands up in the pre-season games,” said Schreuder. “We know about Aphelele Fassi from last year already, but there are guys like Pepsi Buthelezi and JJ van der Mescht, and others that have come through the pre-season games and have performed well. They will definitely, I feel, get shot in Super Rugby.”