The truth is that the Sharks are about to enter a very difficult Currie Cup season and the ever tenacious Griquas will be looking to cause an upset against a team that struggled to keep up with the top teams in the Super 14 this year.

Pat Lambie who enjoyed an impressive start to his pro rugby career and hardly put a foot wrong in the fullback jersey will be looking to prove just why there is so much hype around him. There is however a new look to the back three with Louis Ludik leaving the doldrums of the Lions Cage on the wing along with Lwazi Mvovo who showed glimpses of sheer speed in the few matches he played in the Super 14.

Riaan Swanepoel who grew with confidence will partner the veteran Terblanche at centre and we will be looking with interest at how Rory Kockott and Steven Meyer pair up as No.9 and No. 10. Meyer who was shrouded with controversy at the start of the season and who announced his retirement from the game will be the focus of special interest as the Sharks look to find a stable flyhalf.

All in all it looks like a pretty strong side and one that should be too good for Griquas and we predict a comfortable Sharks victory by more than 15.

Sharks: 15. Patrick Lambie 14. Louis Ludik 13. Stefan Terblanche (Capt) 12. Riaan Swanepoel 11. Lwazi Mvovo 10. Steve Meyer 9. Rory Kockott 8. Keegan Daniel 7. Michael Rhodes 6. Jacques Botes 5. Alistair Hargreaves 4. Steven Sykes 3. Wiehahn Herbst 2. Craig Burden 1. Patric Cilliers