The Sharks believe their efforts to remain unbeaten in the Super 14 became more difficult when their 10th-round opponents, the ACT Brumbies, announced midweek that coach Laurie Fisher would not be re-hired for 2009.
Super 14 tradition suggests that teams whose coaches are dismissed in the course of any season respond with an immediate form improvement.
Ewen McKenzie’s New South Wales Waratahs reacted to the termination of his contract in the week before round eight with a resounding win over the Auckland Blues. Sharks coach Dick Muir had personal experience with the phenomenon when he took over at the Sharks from New Zealander Kevin Putt.
The Brumbies also went on to win the Super 14 in the season prior to Fisher’s appointment, when their board announced the midseason dismissal of coach David Nucifora.
Muir has factored a reaction to Fisher’s sacking — he will be replaced next year by Andy Friend — into his preparation for the match at Canberra. The Sharks will attempt to win for the eighth time this season, to keep pacing with championship leaders the Canterbury Crusaders.
”It does not make it any easier for us,” Muir said. ”But we thrive on challenges and will just have to break that tradition.”
The match also became more difficult because the Brumbies’ win over the Auckland Blues in last week’s ninth round has revived their chances of making the tournament semifinals.
”They will be backing themselves to make it because they will feel they are only now approaching playing to their potential,” Muir said.
”We are extremely keen to build momentum now as the race to the semifinals looms, so it is adding up to be one heck of a match.”
The Sharks have relied heavily on outstanding defence to maintain their unbeaten record. They have conceded only 100 points in eight matches but have had to be that stingy because their offensive record is less than impressive.
The Brumbies will be without their captain and Wallaby centre Stirling Mortlock, who was injured by an accidental knee to his head in last week’s win over Auckland. Fellow Wallaby Adam Ashley-Cooper shifts to outside centre while flanker George Smith takes over the captaincy.
The Crusaders will face a difficult task in the 10th round, taking on the vastly improved Waikato Chiefs at Hamilton. The Chiefs posted impressive wins over the Bulls, Highlanders and Brumbies, moving rapidly to fourth place on the championship ladder, before having a bye in the ninth round.
Waikato captain, All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina, is confident his team has the ability to end Canterbury’s unbeaten run.
”They’re a team with a lot of All Blacks and have a lot of guys that are really good upstairs when thinking about the game,” Muliaina said.
”These guys are unbeaten and they’re a quality team and we know it’s a massive game for us.”
Canterbury have been strengthened by the return of young utility back Stephen Brett, sidelined through the middle of the season by a shoulder injury. Brett offers the tactical kicking option the Crusaders lost when All Blacks flyhalf Dan Carter was also ruled out with injury.
”The kick-chase will be very vital [against the Chiefs],” Brett said. ”If we don’t get it right you could well see them breaking through us. Pinpoint accuracy will be needed.”
In other 10th-round matches, New South Wales play the Lions, the Queensland Reds host the Western Force, the Stormers play the Wellington Hurricanes and a reshaped Bulls unit, minus most of its internationals, play the Highlanders. Auckland and the Cheetahs have weekend byes. — Sapa-AP