Sharks (Last year: 8th)

The Sharks face a make-or-break season as coach Robert du Preez, having won the Currie Cup, now tries to get a squad that has been together for three years to reach their potential and challenge for Super Rugby honours. Last year they scraped into the play-offs, but there was little chance of them going any further than their quarterfinal against the Crusaders in Christchurch, where they were duly hammered 40-10. Expectations are high in Durban but the Sharks begin their campaign in Singapore, taking on the Sunwolves in what are always tough conditions for visiting teams. They then return home to tackle a Blues side that will be desperate to make a mark this year after finishing second last in 2018. The Sharks then face two crucial games against SA Conference sides when they host the Stormers at Kings Park and then visit the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld. The Sharks have the personnel to improve on last year’s showing, but they need to resolve the tensions that are evident in how they want to play – Du Preez has spoken often enough about an expansive game-plan, but somehow his team always seem to revert to conservative type under pressure. And they then still need to improve their execution.

Player to watch: Lukhanyo Am: The 25-year-old Bok is a top-class outside centre and has a key role to play for the Sharks because he is so integral to their game both in terms of attack and defence. With inside centre Andre Esterhuizen and both halfbacks being of a more conservative vein, Am, with his eye for the gap and slick ball-skills, will be relied upon to bring some attacking flair and get the best out of an exciting back three. Defensively, he is also a key organiser and the Sharks will not want to lose the steel they showed last year without the ball.

Predicted finish: 7th