The Sharks rugby has been a fantastic brand for many years. They have the biggest amount of support in SA and have came very close in winning titles. However, what we saw over the last 5 or so years is the sudden decline of Sharks rugby. What you would also notice that the representation numbers were going up as well. Yet, they are not able to win any meaningful games. If you looked at the players that have left their shores, you can only ask yourself whether they have put transformation ahead of results.
Let's just look at the sharks players that have left and who they have been replaced by.
The Du Preez twins, not everyones favourites but got replaced by Pepsi and and Notche. But those guys man handled Noche and you need that mongrel.
Esterhuizen, Australian import
Vermeulen, another formers sharks player that is doing really well for Exeter chiefs.
But what they did instead to hide the fact that they were black washing team was to bring in big name springboks. Etzebeth, Kolisi, Bongi.
Am is a EP boy and as well as Mpimpi, but both are my merit players.
As for Pepsi, Fez, Noche. Pepsis is the only player that stands out but still not as effective against a big pack and in wet conditions.
Fassi has been blowing hot and cold but hugely talented.
Esterhuizen is another player that is shooting the lights out at Harlequins. I think him Am would probably be the best centre combo in club rugby, but they are both pushing close to 30 and that window is closing.
They've brought in OX who I think is there on merit too, but I'm not sure about Mchunu, the guy looks great and probably need to get some more game time.
So for me it is a combination of pushing affirmative action and poor talent management.
I only wonder of Plummers can rescue the team or whether he'll be gone in a year or two's time given the restrictions that he has to work with.
