PRESSURE COOKER Despite the challenges there’s lots of excitement in the Sharks camp

ANY CAUTIOUS betting man would look at the situation that is facing the Sharks and quickly shy away from backing them for a win, unless it was a Hail Mary call.The odds literally are stacked against them, from history, to form, and venue – everybody is writing the Sharks off.

However, assistant coach Dick Muir admits that is not such a bad thing as the pressure eases right off the Sharks. This was seen when the Sharks went to Australia and performed terribly against the Brumbies and the Rebels, but then shone in New Zealand. No one gave the Sharks a chance against the Blues, and especially not against the Hurricanes, and they took that as a challenge.

“There is a lot of excitement in the camp,” Muir said.“The preparation has been phenomenal … The mood is good and the guys are getting ready for it because no one is really giving us a chance and that is not a bad position to be in.”

If the Sharks are able to defy the odds and turn over the Crusaders, it will be a historical first; no South African team has defeated a Kiwi one on home soil in the knockouts, and it will be an underdog story of eighth beating first on the log. The Crusaders have lost two games all season, whereas the Sharks have lost eight – more than they have won. So, the win would be an amazing story for the competition, but it would also be vindication for a Sharks side trying to turn the corner.

The Sharks have managed to get basically a full starting team into the Springbok set-up, having unearthed and polished a few gems, but they have struggled to get the results. So, a win, according to Muir, will be vital for the union going forward.

“There are high expectations from the players and we are now in the business end of the season so there are no excuses anymore,” the assistant coach said.

But at the same time, the Sharks know the challenge facing them. The Crusaders were brilliant in earning the Super Rugby title last season, and they have not taken their foot off the gas since.

“The Crusaders are top of the log for the reason,”Muir added.“When you see them in any game, they like to make their presence felt with the brand of rugby they play. They have a great coaching set-up, and of course some excellent players.”