The good news for Sharks fans is that Frederic Michalak is likely to be the Sharks’ Currie Cup flyhalf, but the rider is that he is only expected to be fit a month into the competition.
Mike Greenaway reports for IOL.
The Sharks host Western Province on June 20 in the opening match, but Michalak’s projected return to rugby following a knee injury is late July.
He damaged knee ligaments in the Sharks’ Super 14 match against the Waratahs in Sydney, and the early prognosis was that the injury would require surgery and that he would be out for the entire year.
Michalak returned to France where medical opinion was that he would recover without an operation. He has also subsequently signed up with his former club Toulouse.
“Freddy was extremely disappointed to have his Super 14 cut short, and so is very keen to play Currie Cup rugby,” coach John Plumtree said. “And we will be delighted to have him, and hopefully that knee will be okay.”
Michalak will return to Toulouse when the Currie Cup ends in October.
Michalk’s late arrival leaves the Sharks in a pickle for the early matches. Ruan Pienaar, who took over at 10 from Michalak, is with the Springboks, as is Adrian Jacobs.
“We will be more than happy to play Bradley Barritt at 10,” Plumtree said. “He played there for 60 percent of last season, and gave a good account of himself.”
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“We will be more than happy to play Bradley Barritt at 10,” Plumtree said. “He played there for 60 percent of last season, and gave a good account of himself.”
….and Rob jumps up and down, does the hookie pookie and phones the local to find out if they have any cold SA beers in stock for him, he is on his way.
@Dive Pass (Comment 1) : 🙂
I just hope they don’t toss him out once Fred comes back.
@robdylan (Comment 2) :
I will keep quite and rather not rain on your hookie pookie party…. 😉
@Dive Pass (Comment 3) : yeah yeah – I know EXACTLY what’s going to happen. I’m not as dumb as I look, fortunately 😳
@robdylan (Comment 2) :
The Sharks seem to be of the opinion that we made the semi’s after having an unsettled team all season, maybe they can win the CC in the same manner. 🙄 😉
@KSA Shark © (Comment 5) : they clearly don’t ever learn
Don’t think that Michelak coming back is a good thing at all! We need to develop our own No. 10 for S14. Yes I know Ruan is there but seems he is going to warm the bench for most of the tests, and then what if he is injured? Brad did well last year’s CC at 10! I think he would be a better answer at 10. I don’t think that Plum will mix the team around as much as Muir did! At least I hope not! 😐
Sharks cannot live by Barritt alone.
What I’m trying to say is…what’s wrong with having 2 good no. 10’s for the CC. Fred will be out for a lot of games too…so Brad will get his chance to develop…and I’m sure he’ll want to learn a thing or two from Fred once he returns.
@blackshark (Comment 8) : I agree with you there mostly, as long as Barritt gets the most playing time, otherwise next year S14 we will be back in the dwang if Ruan/Rory gets injured. Unless of course the rumours that Butchie is coming back to the Sharks for S14 are true!
@Sharksmad (Comment 9) :
We’re all crossing fingers for that one. We need to cement our place as regular top performers in the S14 .
@blackshark (Comment 10) : We are already the best performing SA team, now if we could only win the silverware it would be great 🙄
@Sharksmad (Comment 11) :
and the CC would be a good start…can’t wait…
Good on Fred for coming back, it must surely have been tempting to “recover” from his injury until the new European season begins. I think it says plenty about his charachter.
Everyone can see that the Sharks are in the dwang when it comes to flyhalf, particularily for this Currie Cup so why are there even debates about his return. Surely having backup and choice in all positions is not a bad thing.
Good morning all.
Okay, with Brad at 10, who will play at 12?
@blackshark (Comment 8) :
Good comment….I like the “…live my Barrit alone” line 🙂
@Nessa (Comment 14) : Andries Strauss
@robdylan (Comment 16) :
That leaves us a bit thin in that department though – after having had 2 or 3 players fighting for that spot.
@Nessa (Comment 17) : Riaan Swanepoel as backup?
June has arrived so suddenly that I clean forgot to wish Deon for his 29th birthday yesterday. Sorry Deon!!!! Enjoy your 20’s while you can – they are fast running out! 😉
Got a reply from him saying he doesn’t intend growing up any time soon. How did I know he was going to say that? 😀