Obviously the big concern is the scrum, not only because it is going in reverse but because of the personnel that are involved and you can expect the “John Smit he’s no prop” debate to kick off all over again. For pity sake it is a full Springbok front row they have!
Yet the problems with the Sharks run far deeper than that, the once protectors of running rugby have managed a solitary try in 3 outings and that try was scored by a forward. For me the Sharks have a desperate problem in their backs , Waylon Murray has not returned from holiday , Adi Jacobs stutters every so often into life and Ruan Pienaar just doesn’t seem to have that touch or maybe it is confidence that we would expect. I am reminded too that Hugh Reece-Edwards is back as the backline consultant, heaven forbid the Sharks don’t finish at the bottom of the log as they did when last he was involved as Head Coach.
I’m not even going to talk about Andy “not so” Goode! Hell there has got to be someone better than this bloke. Even if you look past his diabolical hair, why he was signed up beats me, certainly Monty Dumondt would have been a better backup flyhalf or even young Patrick Lambie?
Having said that I’m sticking my neck out one more time for the Sharks and honestly hope they have turned the corner and will run the Waratah’s off their little Aussie feet. The ‘Tahs are far from looking like world beaters and this might be the ideal match to kick start the Sharks into life.
Prediction: The Sharks are ready to run and stun! I’m giving them the victory by 9.
