Reports in the European press suggest that Frederic Michalak will join RC Toulon for a three year stint on completion of his Super Rugby commitments in Durban.
Although it is not surprising that Michalak has decided to leave the Sharks – he has previously intimated that he feels a return to France would be in his best interests if he hopes to feature in new national coach Philippe Saint-Andre’s plans – most pundits would have assumed that his old stomping ground, Toulouse, would have been the more likely destination. Heading to the Riviera will put him on a direct collision course with the current flyhalf incumbent in the red and black, one Johnny Wilkinson.
“Nothing has been signed but there is a verbal agreement on a contract for three years,” confirmed RCT president Mourad Boudjellal, indicating that while the papers are reporting this one as a “done deal”, it may also be nothing more than a ploy to secure a better deal with Toulouse, or perhaps even another club altogether.
One thing is for sure, though – the Sharks will be without Fred Michalak’s services when next year’s European season kicks off.
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Not really unexpected is it i suppose, id like to see Lambie playing 10 in Superrugby and maybe give Michalak bench or 9 duties. His departure does leave us a little more thinner during Currie Cup time as Lambie im sure will be involved with the Boks in some capacity. It will give JL Potgieter and Meyer Bosman an opportunity in the 10 jersey. I would like to see the Sharks maybe give Francois Brummer a trial opportunity, like they are doing with Newman and Mjekevu, as it might be quite good to have extra flyhalf backup come CC time.
The French teams are very big on announcing signings before the deal is actually penned.
@Pat (Comment 1) : Why on earth would we want to let JLP near the number 10 jersey. We got him in when we were desperate and he hasn’t done anything to prove he deserves a spot even on the bench.
@Pat (Comment 1) : I think there is a lot of comfort to be had in the form of Riaan Viljoen at no.10 for Griquas this season.
I also feel that if things don’t pan out for Demetri Catrakilis or Hein Cronje where they are at the moment, I’d much rather extend an invitation to one of these 2 than Brummer.
Other guys I liked like ahead of Brummer are George Whitehead and Elgar Watts.
But bottomline is right now for the Sharks cover at 10 seems fine.
Michalak will also have Matt Giteau as a team mate. Personally I’d rather have Giteau as my 10 than Freddy.
@beet (Comment 5) : Not a bad trio to choose from at 10, I am sure a lot of coaches would kill for that depth at flyhalf.
Toulan presidents said : “He will come and play at scrumhalf, he knows that. His age and experience will help him in this position.”
If Freddie want a real chance to impress the French selectors he should be the starting SH for the Sharks with occasional appearances at FH as cover for Lambie. Both Bosman and Viljoen can also cover FH.
1 Beast
2 Bismarck
3 Jannie
4 Deysal
5 Skeate
6 Botes
7 Alberts
8 Kanko
9 Freddie
10 Lambie
11 JP
12 Bosman
13 Whitehead
14 Mvovo
15 Ludik
Van Staden , Burdan , Hargreaves, Keeegs, McLOed, Viljoen, Joubert
@beet (Comment 5) :
Michalak 9 , wilko 10 , Giteau 12 . not to shabby
Don’t think Ludick will play ahead of Viljoen.
@beet (Comment 5) : If you like a disruptive Git (no pun intended) as you flyhalf, then Giteau is your man.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 10) : I’m merely offering my opinion on who of the 2 makes a better flyhalf on the field of play.:-)
Since Giteau is a contracted Toulon player, are you suggesting that as opposed to trying to get the max benefit out of him, he should be treated like a JLP?
Would be a huge loss if we can`t retain Michalak.
Why couldn`t it be someone else rather?
@Mocho (Comment 7) : With the exception of Whitehead we`ve tried your team time and again last year. It didn`t work.
@Mocho (Comment 7) :
1 Beast
2 Bismarck
3 Jannie
4 Marias
5 Skeate
6 Coetzee
7 Alberts
8 Kanko
9 Mcleod
10 Lambie
11 JP
12 Bosman
13 Whitehead
14 Mvovo
15 Viljoen
or out the box
1 Beast
2 Bismarck
3 Jannie
4 Marias
5 Skeate
6 Daniel
7 Deysel
8 Alberts
9 Mcleod
10 Bosman
11 JP
12 Lambie
13 Whitehead
14 Ndungane
15 Viljoen
Happy Xmas all! and Happy new years in a few days !
@Original Pierre (Comment 12) : no we haven’t played fred at 9 and lambi at 10 all season… Even with some of us calling for it
Happy day’s!!!!!!!
When exactly is the start of the French season?