SHARKS IMPRESS IN SINGAPORE
IT WAS probably indicative of first-game jitters that the Sharks went behind in Singapore against the Sunwolves before slowly kicking into life, finding their feet, and finishing off with a bonus point win away from home at the start of Super Rugby.
A full house of points was always the goal in this opening encounter against an unpredictable side, but the bonus was for the Sharks to show that they have fully shaken off the off-season cobwebs and are ready to reach their potential off the backs of some pretty impressive players in their squad.
The pre-season games for the Sharks were dour affairs, but the match against the Sunwolves proved that the men from Durban have a number of key players who can drive their charge forward through the 2019 season.
One of those key men has to be Lukhanyo Am. The centre has quickly climbed the ranks to be a Springbok, and had it not been for an injury last year, no doubt Am would have all but cemented his place for the Boks.
He still has this Super Rugby season to impress coach Rassie Erasmus heading to the World Cup in Japan, and an astute man like the Bok coach will surely be eyeing his full set of skills. His eye for a gap, his defensive organisation, creativity off the ball and general presence will be key for the Sharks.
Another recent Sharks Springbok, that will also be trying to secure his spot in Japan, is Sbu Nkosi who looked full of action against the Sunwolves.
The burley back was happy to join in on the action even if it was on the other side of the field, making the Sharks’ backline all the more potent, but he also aided in supporting rookie Aphelele Fassi at fullback.
One of the Sharks’ best buys of the past few years has been Akker van der Merwe.
The Lions’ bench specialist has blossomed in Durban and has been given a starring role where he happily collects Man of the Match awards for fun.
Van der Merwe was at his bustling best again in Singapore and adds a lot of mobility to a meaty Sharks pack. The hooker is a dangerous runner and line breaker, and is often able to offload and link up well with the Sharks backs.
Van der Merwe could well be writing his name into the Sharks’ MVP books very early on if he can maintain his form from the past few campaigns.
These players, as well as the rest of the team, will have to up their game this week though as they take on New Zealand opposition. The Blues may not be at the pinnacle of the Kiwi pile, but they will pose a big threat to the Durban-based side.
However, if there is one pitfall the Sharks did not fall into last year, it was how they dealt with Kiwi opposition, picking up wins and impressive showings against the New Zealanders.