It is straight back to business for the Sharks team after their mid-season break at the end of Super 12 in May.
The Sharks squad will be in a full training this week in preparation for Friday night’s encounter against the SWD Eagles. Coach, Kevin Putt has included John Smit and Trevor Halstead, who are currently not playing in the Tri-Nations, into his training sessions this week.
There have been a number of players, outside of the contracted Sharks squad, who have been given the opportunity to exhibit their talents over the last two months. With stalwarts like Stephen Brink and Dave von Hoesslin, back with the Sharks after a years absence, together with newcomers Henno Mentz (wing) and Solly Tsibilika (loose forward) they will certainly give the Sharks coach more exciting options when he sits down to select the team on Wednesday to take on the Eagles.
”It’s going to be a tough contest which we are looking forward to.The SWD Eagles have had to be consistently good in their performances over the last seven weeks to qualify and make it through to the top eight. With the Sharks only having had two warm up matches it is evident that the guys are keen to get going now and I expect 80 minutes of top quality Currie Cup rugby,” expressed Putt.
A feature of the tournament this year is that the eight teams in the competition will play each other on a home and away basis, over fourteen consecutive weeks, excluding the final.
”This will be a stern test for the Sharks ability to sustain playing top rugby week in and week out as there are no byes. It will be a new experience for most of the players, under these conditions. With no place to hide and having to face top teams each week, I am looking forward to the challenge. I am confident the Sharks will finish strongly”, said Putt. – Sapa