Sharks to play warm-up games
AS NUMEROUS employees drag themselves back to their desks after the festive season, it’s also the time of the year when the Super Rugby squads return to the training field and intensify their preparations for the coming season.
The Sharks, for one, have been back in business since last week after a brief Christmas break, and it’s not long until various warm-up matches begin.
On that note, though, the Sharks have opted not to take part in the Neo Africa Tri-series this year, having featured in the triangular warm-up tournament over the last two years.
Considering the effects of the marathon Super Rugby season, the Sharks have decided that their planning and preparation needs will be best met by playing two alternative warm-ups next month.
Whereas the Neo Africa Tri-series would have seen the Sharks playing two (never-easy) games against the Lions and Stormers just three days apart in Cape Town, they will now face Boland and the Eastern Province Kings over two weekends next month.
In addition, an internal trial game is likely to be held in early February, which will provide the Sharks coaches with another opportunity to test their squad depth and put players through their paces.
The good news for the coastal side is that they have a near full-strength squad that has been able to resume training, with loose-forwards Willem Alberts and Jean Deysel the only two players still involved in rehab after offseason surgery.
Last year, the Sharks made it to the Super Rugby play-offs, but having failed to finish top of the SA conference, they had to travel to New Zealand to face the Crusaders, which proved to be a bridge too far.
This year the Sharks will be looking to advance their cause by securing home ground advantage for the knockout phase, but their only focus for now is on ensuring their preseason preparation ticks all the necessary boxes before the season kicks off.
The Sharks open their Super Rugby campaign against the Bulls on February 24 in Pretoria, followed by another challenging away game against the Stormers, before hosting the Lions in Durban on March 10.
The Sharks ticket office will be open for season ticket renewals and sales at Mr Price Kings Park from today.
A season ticket is valid for all home games in the Super Rugby and the Currie Cup competitions, including any playoffs at Kings Park as well as the Springboks’ Test against England in June.