Loss to Kings was a wake-up slap

Ken Borland

The Sharks’ loss to the Southern Kings last weekend was like a wake-up slap, according to flank Philip van der Walt (right), who is likely to captain the side on Saturday against the Sunwolves in Singapore, and has vowed they will be back to their best against the Japanese franchise.

“It’s obvious that we are very disappointed with the outcome of the game and also with our performance. There were harsh words afterwards, something has to be said after a performance like the one we had,” Van der Walt said.

“If we don’t achieve what we set out to do, it’s just going to get tougher and tougher for us. We don’t expect the Sunwolves to do anything, but throw everything at us, and we’re going to have to absorb it and focus on our game.’’

The loose forward is likely to take over the captaincy because flyhalf Pat Lambie suffered a bang to the head against the Kings and has remained home to rest due to concussion symptoms.

Coupled with a broken nose inside centre Jeremy Ward picked up, the pectoral muscle tear suffered by fullback Rhyno Smith, and the absence of Curwin Bosch – away with the Junior Springboks – it means the Sharks will field a new-look backline with Benhard Janse van Rensburg likely to get a second chance at flyhalf, Johan Deysel at 12 and Garth April in the last line of defence.