It’s high time for the Sharks to sink or swim as they dive into their third Vodacom URC stint under the guidance of John Plumtree. Last season was a bit of a head-scratcher for the team, as they somehow managed to clutch the third spot on the log through sheer grit and, let’s be honest, a bit of luck. They pulled off a narrow squeaker against Edinburgh in a game that saw the return of their Springbok cavalry, including the formidable Eben Etzebeth. Jake White, the Bulls maestro, even went so far as to call them the toughest provincial squad he’s laid eyes on.
The Sharks have had their share of drama, with Plumtree often vocal about the challenges of injuries and the juggling act required by Bok rest protocols. With heavy hitters like Etzebeth and Grant Williams popping in and out of the lineup due to various commitments, the team’s rhythm inevitably suffered. It’s crucial this season that they figure out how to thrive even when their stars are away.
"We had our moments where the racehorse seemed ready, but we never hit full stride," Plumtree remarked about last season’s performance.
Jordan Hendrikse, who has quickly become a fan favorite since his leap from the Lions, will be crucial to sparking some life into the Sharks’ attack. With his knack for long-range penalties and a solid run as the starting flyhalf, Hendrikse might just be the key to turning those near misses into victories.
The Sharks have also shuffled their deck with new signings like Ross Braude and Marvin Orie, hoping fresh blood will fortify their ranks. However, they’ve also waved goodbye to several players, including Batho Hlekani and Dylan Richardson, which might shake things up a bit.
With a challenging schedule that kicks off with tours against Glasgow and Leinster, the Sharks need to find their groove early. They’ll be under the microscope, especially during high-stakes matches against local rivals like the Bulls and Stormers later in the season.
Last year, they managed to snag the South African URC Shield by dominating their local opponents. If they can harness that same energy and maybe sprinkle in a bit more consistency, who knows? This could be the year the Sharks finally make the big splash we’ve all been waiting for.
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It’s high time for the Sharks to sink or swim as they dive into their third Vodacom URC stint under the guidance of John Plumtree. Last season was a bit of a head-scratcher for the team, as they somehow managed to clutch the third spot on the log through sheer grit and, let’s be honest, a bit of luck. They pulled off a narrow squeaker against Edinburgh in a game that saw the return of their Springbok cavalry, including the formidable Eben Etzebeth. Jake White, the Bulls maestro, even went so far as to call them the toughest provincial squad he’s laid eyes on.
The Sharks have had their share of drama, with Plumtree often vocal about the challenges of injuries and the juggling act required by Bok rest protocols. With heavy hitters like Etzebeth and Grant Williams popping in and out of the lineup due to various commitments, the team’s rhythm inevitably suffered. It’s crucial this season that they figure out how to thrive even when their stars are away.
"We had our moments where the racehorse seemed ready, but we never hit full stride," Plumtree remarked about last season’s performance.
Jordan Hendrikse, who has quickly become a fan favorite since his leap from the Lions, will be crucial to sparking some life into the Sharks’ attack. With his knack for long-range penalties and a solid run as the starting flyhalf, Hendrikse might just be the key to turning those near misses into victories.
The Sharks have also shuffled their deck with new signings like Ross Braude and Marvin Orie, hoping fresh blood will fortify their ranks. However, they’ve also waved goodbye to several players, including Batho Hlekani and Dylan Richardson, which might shake things up a bit.
With a challenging schedule that kicks off with tours against Glasgow and Leinster, the Sharks need to find their groove early. They’ll be under the microscope, especially during high-stakes matches against local rivals like the Bulls and Stormers later in the season.
Last year, they managed to snag the South African URC Shield by dominating their local opponents. If they can harness that same energy and maybe sprinkle in a bit more consistency, who knows? This could be the year the Sharks finally make the big splash we’ve all been waiting for.