Sharks Transformation

So we are 5 rounds into this year super rugby comp and it looks like the Sharks are the form team. 

The one thing that has stood out for me is the transformation of their team. Gone are the Du Preez, no Robert the coach or Robert the Flyhalf 

They do lack depth in key positions and it was evident during their loss. It has just showed how valuable Bosch has been for the sharks back line and success. 

Then there are the black talent coming through. 

Nachos (Notche), been a fantastic addition at 8 with great speed and fantastic link play with his outside back, gone are Du Preez who was slow and looked to much for contact

Am has steppe this game and is now probably one of the best 13s in the game

Fassi, continues to show his value with his speed and skill and not to mention his height which helps him with the heigh ball

Madosh Tambwe looks even better and can give Mpimpi and Nkosi a run for their money

The only player yet to assert themselves is ox nche that has not really go his scrumming right yet

But all in all, I think the sharks has finally showed that what great black talent SA have, not to mention nurturing them and playing to their strengths

Yes the Sharks backline is making waves. Let's hope they can keep it up. 

The Sharks backline was still very good last year, best in South Africa by far, but their pack wasn't particularly good. They had persistent issues securing possession and handling that possession accurately and their set pieces were a mess throughout the season. How often did the backs have to play well behind the gainline and from static positions? Very often. There were numerous instances of Am receiving the ball from a stationary position, swarmed by defenders, yet still generating momentum. The game is ultimately won and lost in the trenches. That is the biggest difference this season. The change in coaching is where I see this change, as the fundamentals were lacking last year. Small margins, big gains. 

Welcome back AO - you may have noted that all you ideas went out of the window in your absence, but your idiocy was always entertaining,   Please keep entertaining us in future - Mose were vey lost without you.      

The Sharks are an exciting side but is there more to them? Today's game I feel will be their toughest test, a win will tell us exactly how far they've come and where they're heading.

Good luck.