I didn't know much about Sean Everitt when he was named Sharks coach but I like what I've seen so far.
The Sharks are playing an enterprising brand of rugby reminiscent of the good old days of Ian McKintosh and they're getting results as well. Last week the pack was poor against the Hurricanes but whatever Everitt did or said seems to have worked because it was a much improved performance from the Sharks forwards yesterday.
It was always going to be a tough task after losing forwards like Tendai Mtawarira, Coenie Oosthuizen, Akker van der Merwe, the Du Preez twins, Phillip van der Walt and Ruan Botha but Everitt has got a bunch of no-name replacements much more competetive up front than I had hoped for.
I had much higher hopes for the backline this season and they are fulfilling those expectations. I know I've had a few grumbles about Louis Schreuder and his amateurish service from the base of the scrum but Sanele Nohamba is a very promising option and the rest of the backline has been excellent. Aphelele Fassi has been a revelation so far while Makazole Mapimpi is becoming a world class finisher. I was a bit worried when Sbu Nkosi picked up an injury but Madosh Tambwe has really stepped up to the plate. Must also give a mention the much maligned Andre Esterhuizen who was brilliant yesterday.
Well done to Sean Everitt. One more win next weekend against the underrated Reds and it will be a fantastic tour for the Sharks. Hopefully they won't do their usual trick of having a good tour and then folding in the home games.
Come on Sharks!