The outgoing title sponsor, Cell C, will remain an official partner of the Sharks

The key to the Jo’burg franchise’s supremacy this season lies in keeping the ball and using it wisely.

With the Stormers sweating over injuries and the Bulls needing early momentum, the Sharks look likely to have the best chance of winning Super Rugby.

The two powerhouse teams have found themselves falling behind, and both need wins to have a fighting chance in the Currie Cup.

The 23-year-old loose forward will lead the side in defending their Currie Cup crown.

There’s an air of expectancy surrounding the Sharks ahead of this year’s Super Rugby tournament, with a new chief executive and director.

It’s still early in the Super season, but sofar the Durbanites look set to overtake theBulls as SA’s rugby stars.

Bakkies Botha will make his first appearance this year when he runs out for the Bulls in Saturday’s Super 14 match against the Sharks at Loftus.

There’s a hint of desperation in the latest foreign acquisitions made by the Sharks, writes Andy Capostagno.

Former England flyhalf Andy Goode has joined the Sharks for the remainder of this season’s Super 14, the Durban side announced on Friday.

John Smit will become the first South African to play 100 games for a Super rugby team when the Sharks hosts the Cheetahs on Friday night.

The Bulls start the defence of their Super 14 title on February 12 against the Cheetahs, followed by a run of four fixtures on South African soil.

After the Sharks Currie Cup loss to Western Province at the weekend coach John Plumtree has made the signing of Juan Martin Hernandez a priority