Based on an otherwise unintelligible report on a French rugby website, it looks like Argentinian flyhalf-cum-fullback Juan Martin Hernandez is on the verge of signing for the Sharks in time for the 2010 Super 14.
The 26-year-old has represented Argentina more than 30 times and was one of the stand out players at the 2007 World Cup in France. Currently playing for Stade Francais in Paris, Hernandez has apparently turned down offers from a number of French clubs, including Toulon, to join the Sharks next year.
More details on this one as they emerge. Thanks to PaarlBok for pointing this one out.
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Why can’t the sharks develop their own players??? 😈
Actually, seriously… we are seriously lacking in flyhalves in SA, we should be trying to unearth local boys who can represent SA. The cronje boy could have a go.
Also, you guys like buying temperamental players. Hernandez and Freddie are cut from the same cloth.
Hernandez is good, but where does that leave Pienaar’s future at 10 🙄
First the Loftus crowd shouting Morne-Morne and now it appears the
Sharks management are shopping for a flyhalf.
Another kick in the “klootzak” for Ruan Pienaar.
Ruan will be starting No. 10 I am sure, Hernandez off bench, or will be managed like the front row, or are we going to end up like last S14 when Ruan got injured and we had to play with Steyn who is clearly no Fly half, besides Frans is going to France last thing I read on Frans. The Bulls won the S14 ’cause of their depth we came 6th because of our lack of depth, so this is good news for us! although I have to agree with Molly why we cannot promote one of our own, is a concern. But right now anything that could help us to finally, hopefully, praying to win this elusive S14 is welcomed by this Sharks supporter. Sorry Molly Fernandez is still too young to play for WP! 🙂
he can play centre and fullback as well… in fact, was voted the world’s best fullback in 2006
i do NOT want anymore freaking foreighners in the sharks squad, i dont care whether its stephan larkham, dan carter or even hernandez. I want homegrown boys in the team whether we win or lose 👿 😡 remember epi tione, the guy who single handedly cost us the 2008 semi final
and i think the rumour is true, he might actually play in this years currie cup as well
@JarsonX (Comment 7) : Tut. You mos know SA has a problem with xenophobia. I am disappointed to find that you are part of the problem. 🙁
@klempie (Comment 9) : 😯 he can play for wp or the lions, i just dont want any outlanders in the shark squad
I think he would be a good signing for the Sharks – any world class players are welcome and Hernandez is world class. I don’t think he’ll displace either Pienaar or Terblanche from the starting line-up, that’s if Terblanche wants another year?
Reckon we still need an inside centre, a blindside flank and a lock though.
@JarsonX (Comment 10) : 😆
@JarsonX (Comment 10) : Post 9 was tongue-firmly-in-cheek bru. 😛
@MerckZ (Comment 11) :
I would hope he displaced Stefan!
He has had his chips – time to work on that golf-swing.
You all need to take a chill pill. This guy was the best 10 in the RWC in 2007, by a long shot. He is a world class player and not at all like Michalak (whom I respect and like as a player as well). Hernandez is one of the best kickers from hand in the world, and has solid ball handling skills as well. He is streets above Michalak with the boot, and nowhere near Michalak with his hands, but still very solid. We need depth in every position, and this guy can help Ruan develop into the best 10 in the world. You all need to remember that I think the world of Ruan, and have defended him when nobody else would. So understand that I believe this is a superb move and will make both the Sharks and Ruan better right away, and will make Ruan the best 10 in the world in a few years. Hernandez can control a game beautifully at 10, any decent flyhalf would jump at the opportunity to work with him in the same squad.
If this rumour is true, I am thrilled, I have been a big fan of Hernandez since the RWC. A real talent this one.
Pichot and Hernandez were the best halfback pairing in the 2007 RWC.
rugby365 says he already signed, this is the best news all year!!!!!
@Big Fish (Comment 14) : You and I are together on this one. Stephan is excellent defensively but on attack all he does is kick possession away! And in my opinion offence is the best defence 👿
@willa (Comment 17) :
I hope that’s a solid report.
Direct replacement for Steyn then – will be interesting to see how they use him.
ok he might do us good in the S14, but i still want a SA boytjie in our squad. This is only a short term sollution. What i want to know is, what is the long term plan
@JarsonX (Comment 20) : Pienaar. But you ask any young player who the greatest influence on his career has been, and 9 times out of 10, it’s a senior player who has guided him.
Sykes and Ackermann. Muller and Andrews. Gregor Townsend and Tony Brown.
Don’t discount the value of experience.
@Baldrick (Comment 21) : what if Pienaar is at the Boks or injured again, who will be his 2nd in the long run, thats my question, i do get everybodies opinion though
@Baldrick (Comment 21) : But Hernandez and Freddie aren’t exactly “senior” players, especially ones who can train you. They’re still learning themselves, Tony Brown was a great investment but these guys… not the same.
@Sharksmad – The Blog’s Dudette (Comment 5) : But we have De Waal who can kick last minute pressure conversions and draw games… or Peter Grant. 🙄
@molly (Comment 24) :
‘and draw games’ lmao
@wpw (Comment 25) : yeah, he’s a legend.
We need this guy.
I think its great for any team to have a bit of variety (ie. international flavour). As long as the numbers are kept in check it can only be of benefit to the team… that way the team still keeps its identity, but the international guys will bring a different opinion on tactics, etc.
It’s all about being open-minded and admitting we’re never too good to learn from someone (even if they are only 26).
Sho good buy.
Just thought I’d throw some copper around: 🙂
Don’t forget we’re going to miss Pienaar for the first half of the tournament. This signing was almost necessary! Am keen to see what the plans for Olivier are, as well as Cronje. We’ve got 4 flyhalves!
A very good signing if it comes off. Natal / Sharks have some good history with Argie players.
this one seems to be confirmed
@robdylan (Comment 32) :
Then I’ll sleep better at night.
@blackshark (Comment 33) : me too. A superb move. With Rocco Jansen this makes of feel a lot better about backline depth
@robdylan (Comment 34) :
Did you guys sign Rocco from the ‘Brutes’ 😯
@robdylan (Comment 32) : great.
Rocco Janses ? huh
@Salmonoid (Comment 36) :
watte??? 🙄
@wpw (Comment 35) : i understand it’s a work in progress
@wpw (Comment 37) :
Sorry, meant Rocco Jansen, tell us more.
Every time I see your picture I think of David Hasselhof and not MJ, it must be the pose. Maybe they were fans of each other.
@robdylan (Comment 32) : The fact that Willem De Waal is considered to be an ‘Emerging Bok’ 🙄 I guess that just shows you, there is simply not enough flyhalf talent in this country. So the Sharks have done the only thing they can do, find a decent stop-gap to this perennial problem…
@robdylan (Comment 38) :
I think the work has been completed.
Sharks Rugby has Rocco Jansen, picture and all, playing this weekend against the Pumas.
Now I will go and actually read the article.
@Salmonoid (Comment 41) : or check the article I just put up
According to the East coast Sports wave on the radio a few minutes ago, The Sharks are not able to afford the asking price for Hernandez
@KSA Shark © (Comment 43) : shit
@robdylan (Comment 44) :
They do not say who denies the reports just that “the reports on on some local and french websites have been denied. Apparently Hernandez is asking for more than the Sharks are willing to pay”
@KSA Shark © (Comment 45) : if thats a fact, screw Hernandez
according to an arti in Beeld, WP also wants to secure JMH services and that JMH doesnt care about the money, he just wants to play against the best SH players
@JarsonX (Comment 47) : isnt he to young for WP 😕
@JarsonX (Comment 47) : the arti also states that he might be available as soon as 11 July. Why cant any SA/Shark person confirm anything
@JarsonX (Comment 49) : sorry dude – I’m just as in the dark about this one as everybody else 🙁
@robdylan (Comment 50) : 👿
@JarsonX (Comment 48) : 😆
Be a miracle if WP actually do sign this guy given our buying tendencies…….
@robdylan (Comment 50) : i actually meant a guy like Adolf or Plum or whoever 😆
@Worcestershire Sauce (Comment 52) :
We have Willem De Waal!! We don’t need him… 🙄