The Sharka have signed Frederik Michalak with immediate effect.
The French utility back last played for the Sharks as part of the 2008 Currie Cup winning side, when he was the regular flyhalf. He then went back to Toulouse in France, the side he has played most of his rugby for from the age of 16.
Fred is already training with the Sharks and will apparently be considered for selection this weekend, where his ability to play scrumhalf may well see him come onto the bench in the number 20 jersey. The fact that he is not in the French World Cup plans and as such will be available to the Sharks throughout the 2011 Currie Cup campaign was apparently seen as a goos reason for getting him back in.
Then again, Depending on whether Pat Lambie goes to the World Cup, John Plumtree could well have an interesting problem on his hands deciding how and where to utilise Michalak in a backline that already contains Jacques-Louis Potgieter and Meyer Bosman as utility 10/12 options.
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YEAH BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@KSA Shark © (Comment 1) :
I dont understand the thinking here?!
They removed the page . . . Or is it just my computer?
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 2) :
Don’t get me wrong, I think he is a fantastic player…
Plum must be of the opinion that Lambie will be unavailable for most of the Currie Cup..
@Mocho (Comment 3) :
Its a problem all round..
somebody reads my posts
the guy had a very good game for Barbarians on sunday. Would it be an indication that the management is preparing for Lambie’s involvement with the Boks and neither Meyer nor JLP are up to standard …. hmmm…
@Mocho (Comment 3) : i also could not get to read it – maybe it’s a mistake
What???
@rekinek (Comment 6) :
Co-sign..
Could not agree with you more on that..
And they are going to leave Bosman in the centres anyway..
@rekinek (Comment 7) : @Richard Ferguson (Comment 5) : So its unconfirmed atm . . .
Welcome “Home” Freddie
Now lets see if this will bring Millisa out of hiding, I hope so.
@Mocho (Comment 10) :
Nope, very much confirmed..
Why couldn’t it be Barrit, Strauss or Murray 🙁 maybe they looking for a mentor for Lambie
And let’s not forget that he also has french caps as a 9.
Excellent timing if he is available this weekend.
@Salmonoid (Comment 11) : methinks 😀
as there was clearly a glitch on sharksrugby i tried to google freddie and the option of Freddie tattoos appeared 😯
@Mocho (Comment 10) : I have the press release from the Sharks in front of me. 😎
@Mocho (Comment 13) : perhaps freddie can do centres as well .
And in other news, JLP is going to the Lions as there 7th flyhalf . . . .
@Mocho (Comment 18) : don’t get me excited 😆
@rekinek (Comment 17) : I’m sure Fred can play 12
Is it coincidence that Sharks backline improves and Albert van den Burg is lurking around the Tank?
@Mocho (Comment 21) : correction lineout
@robdylan (Comment 20) : so can we give Meyer and JLP back ?
1 year contract? Loan? Or what?
If this indeed is true, then I’m gonna be SOOO glad!!!
@Mocho (Comment 21) : @Mocho (Comment 22) : albert was quite good in backline play as well 😀
@KingRiaan (Comment 25) : this is true
@robdylan (Comment 27) : it did came out of the blue though – do you know whether they were in talks for a long time or what? how? why?
@rekinek (Comment 28) : I am just as blown away by this as everyone else… didn’t see it coming at all and didn’t pick up so much as a whisper.
They obviously kept this one from ALL of my sources!
I’m glad. Really glad; just disappointed I probably won’t get to see him LIVE unless we get “a qf”.
@robdylan (Comment 29) : They keep their secrets better than the USA. 😉 I’m stoked about this.
@robdylan (Comment 29) : So how good is he as a scrum half?
@Mocho (Comment 32) : he’s pretty good wherever he plays. I guess he can probably tend to be a bit individualistic at scrummie, though…
@Mocho (Comment 32) : he did alternate with Ruan during the games but rarely if I remember correctly.
Good for Frédéric.
@Mocho (Comment 32) : I don’t care if we play him at prop, I’m just happy he’s back! 🙂
Still cant believe this, totally left field….lekker.
This is a good signing,great news. I asked a couple weeks ago who the sharks had to help and mentor lambie as he is still young I think michalak will help improve lambies game if that’s even possible haha go sharks
We will soon be having Marius Joubert and Freddie communicating in French in the backline.
WOOOHOOO!
I really like Fred. Took a while to acclimatise to the physicality, but he is real class!
@Salmonoid (Comment 39) : Sharp 🙂
@Salmonoid (Comment 11) : ohhh you know me too well. I have been following SW on FB and Twitter. The new babe and Charlton are keeping me mighty busy these days.
I’m very excited that my prediction came true though. Now if I could get that lucky with the lotto.
I recorded the Barbarians game, wasn’t sure if I wanted to watch it. After this news, I’m going to watch it right now!!!
@robdylan (Comment 29) : Rob…I think there was no secret to keep bc I have a feeling that this was all planned to some extent before he left in ’08.
Guess we will be seeing Milissa again. 😛
O yeah!!! One of my favorite players! Guess no more scrumhalf problems for us. Now McCleod will have to play his socks off, if he wants to continue being in the starting team
@Milissa (Comment 42) : Oh there you are! 😆 😆
Knock me over with a feather!!!! 😯
Soo are the Sharks planning on creating a Dan Carter of SA ?
9 Charl/Hoffman
10 Freddie
11 Mvovo
12 Lambie
13 Joubert
14 JP
15 Ludik ?
Or maybe they want him as centre? At 80kg’s that might be a bit small.
I say they putting him as fly and moulding Lambie, then in the second half let the prodigal son loose 🙂
This is some of the best news to come from the Sharks in weeks! Go Michalak! He did us a great service last time he was with us and i doubt he will disappoint in his second stint with us!
@Mocho (Comment 49) : 🙁 NO
We need lambie to stay at 10, let’s not mess another player around
Hahaha I just had an awesome taught. Imagine how the Stormers must be feeling stuck with Earl Rose!! Bwhahahahaha
@Mocho (Comment 49) : @KSA Shark © (Comment 51) : I’m with KSA here. I don’t think for a minute that they will move Lambie from 10. Likely they will cover 10 with Fred if Lambie goes off with the Boks. Which as much as I would love him to, I think may be doubtful, given Elton Jantjies sudden turnaround. Depends how many 10s the Boks want to take. But I can’t see Morne being ousted unless he gets injured.
🙁
@Milissa (Comment 42) : 😆 look who came outa the woodwork ??
, 😉 welcome back girl, good to have our yankee supporter back 
@Ice (Comment 48) : 😆
Haha Stormers got Earl the Pearl and we get King Freddie
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 53) : hiyas good lady 😉 I also agree but we also need to understand Freddy can play 12 with ease too
so he covers 09,10,12
and he has BMT which is very important
@sharks_lover (Comment 57) : Hey you, how’s things? Bloody cold here in PTA! Ja – I do understand. And am stoked that he’s coming back. Should add a bit of “je ne sais quoi” pizazz to the backline! 😛
all in all this is good news, put pressure on players in more than one position… Good for us!
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 58) :
@SharonvanWyk (Comment 58) : doing well thanks
Not a good signal to the youngsters in Sharks-country…
It is difficult to believe that this guy is here again. Whatever he has done and whatever he will do, how on earth can a SA franchise use an import? This country is flooded with young talent (a lot play overseas because the domestic market is saturated) and then this happens. I always had a lot of respect for the Sharks, but this will certainly dent my enthusiam. Please tell me what can this guy do that can’t be done by a SA. Gee this is shocking!
@snoestaxi (Comment 63) : a lot play overseas because the domestic market is saturatted)
That may be true in a few instances but a lot of them play overseas because they are after more money
stormers management sleeping ! Down to our 4 th choice flyhalf…..a crisis as we could make 2 nd spot…..we fail to sign Ruan Pienaar, end up having to play a 20 year old novice and rush in Earl Rose…..
What we would do for this Frenchman now!
Wake up Rassie!
@snoestaxi (Comment 63) : Jealousy makes you nasty! 😉
Dear Stormers
We here at the Sharks understand what difficult times you are going through without a good flyhalf. We also went through such adversity last year when we had to sign Andy Goode.
Due to our warm hearts, we are willing to help you guys out. We will give JLP which should help your flyhalf problem, in exchange of one of your centres. Anyone will do.
Thank you
The Sharks
@Mocho (Comment 67) :
dear Sharks.
Thank you kindly.
we shall deliver Whitehead in the overnight mail.
Please send JLP to Melbourne a sap.
I hear DHL is a very good transit company.
Yours sincerely
The Stormers
What the hell? Let’s back our youngsters!!
@grant10 (Comment 68) : Dear Stormers
We would like to renegotiate. We would actually prefer Johann Sadie or Juan de Jongh. Anyone of the 2 will do.
Sorry for the misunderstanding.
Thanks
KZNRU
It’s not like the Stormers are losing matches because of their flyhalves. 🙄
At least they’re giving their youngsters a go and backing local talent. 😈
And my mates comment about this, ‘that will be great for when they retreating’ … Typical weepee supporter!
@McLovin (Comment 71) : local from Griquas? Has there been an Earthquake in SA? 😉
@KSA Shark © (Comment 73) : Local as in SA. Like in the opposite of foreign. 😛
@McLovin (Comment 74) : 🙂
I would also prefer to use local(youngsters) players but in the situation were in with only 3 games and must games for that we would benefit from good experience especially someone that knows the sharks setup.
grant10
Dude, for once would u quit pretending to speak on behalf of Stormers supporters. We are flippen top if the log having played 4 different flyhalves as well as a scrumhalf at flyhalf. We don’t need ‘I can’t tackle Michalak’ and we certainly don’t need Ruan Pienaar.
The Stormers brainstrust know what they’re doing. As for your request for JLP, are you on tik?
@wpw (Comment 77) : Amen. 😈
Although Pienaar would be nice to have.
@wpw (Comment 77) : 😛
I must admit Pienaar isn’t a bad option but I say save the cash we would have spent on signing him and make an offer for ‘SuperPat’ next year.
I’m sure the Erasmi can find a loophole in his contract! 😈
@wpw (Comment 80) : now u looking for bad smelling chocolate
@wpw (Comment 80) : Straws.
You are clutching at them.
@wpw (Comment 80) : Good idea. 😈
Well, well, well. 🙁 🙁 🙁
What would Guy, Cobus Reinach, Fred Zelinga, Willie du Plessis and other upcoming stars feel about this development? At least i presume that his contract will only be till after the CC.
Mmmmm, what would the Stormers/WP do in such a situation……..
Wait, they would go and grab the unknown Johan Sadie and Kurt Coleman from their ranks and give them EXPOSURE!
So much for the Sharks Academy.
Michalak’s contract is for the next 14 months. So that will take him up to the start of next years CC.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 85) : That is according to Gavin Rich.
I can’t see any other article that mentions the duration of the contract.
Good morning 100 days to go to RWC 2011!!!!!!!
What happened to ‘backing our youngsters’? I’ll support Freddie but I dont have to like it. Why is JLP all of a sudden such a bad buy?
Interesting….
He is a decent player. But where is Plum going to use him?
I really hope he is not going to start to mess around with Pat.
Has Fred’s contract expired with Toulouse or are they letting him go?
Exciting times at the Sharks – this morning they interviewed Bissie on ECR and according to him the Sharks are busy trying to get Ruan back. Ruan was at practice with them yesterday.
@ Wpw according to Bissie Freddie is coming in as scrummie cover for SR & fh during cc while Super Pat is gone I’m afraid you’ll just have to be happy with Rose 🙂
And for all those accusing Sharks players of being mercenary there just for the money when asked whether being from the FS he had a soft spot for the Cheetahs he answered that he is an out and out Sharks man, loved the Sharks loved Durban and had no connections emotional or otherwise to the Cheetahs!
“I’m going to say something outrageous again. If you put me in an opera tomorrow to sing the leading part, nobody will watch the opera! The man is a hooker! I can’t answer for Plum”
Guess who ? 😉
@Sharksmad – The Blog’s Dudette (Comment 91) : Ruan!!!! (love face)
Yep apparently he whants to come back to The Sharks and now according to this interview The Sharks are working on getting him back 🙂
Sorry post # 94 was in reply to Mocho @ #93
I’m suffering from rugby news overload. PDV also said that they might start with schalk as 8th man.
@Sharksmad – The Blog’s Dudette (Comment 94) : Easy. Tell Ulster who are dying for Ruan to extand his contract, if they want him let him play now . . .
At least you can see that Freddie has a strong sense of loyalty, if you take that for such a high profile player he has only played for two teams, Toulouse and Sharks.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Freddy at 10 with Pat at 12…
Ruan, Ruan, Ruan! I hope you guys are right about that one!
Imagine we can end the seasone with Ruan, Fred, Pat! Suddenly we have a competent team with guys like Meyer and Charl where they rightfully belong – the bench!
Interesting signing. I thought he was very good the last time he was here and his influence he had on the team pushed them to their potential. Some may feel sorry for the young players in the province but at the end of the day its just business and Plumtree etc jobs will be judged on how many games/trophys they win not on how many youngsters get game time. There is no room for sentiment in professional sport. If you want to play you have to be the best, end of story.
@King Shark – Kanko at 12! (Comment 100) : Don’t forget about Marius Joubert. I know he is no Fourie, but he is a quality specialist outside center. Any one know when he will arrive?
Well I never…..I don’t know how JLP will feel about this….I’m actually feeling sorry for the oke. He is probably getting less opportunities than at the Bulls.
But I like Freddie and he could teach Lambie a thing or 2.
I wouldn’t have minded getting another world class center though.
King Riaan I may be wrong but I understand he is here already.
Hell YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Fred in da house!!!!
I do not think there will be a selection problem for plum,you play the best 10 when lambie is not available and that is Fred.
CC can be fred 10 meyer bosman 12 jlp 13,adi
Fred won us that cc finish and klaar.
Just imagine a backline of 9. Freddie 10. SuperPat 11. JPP 12. Swannie 13. Joubert 14. Mvovo 15. Ludick/Oupa
@KingRiaan (Comment 102) : Or we could just play Kanko there 😉
@Sharksmad – The Blog’s Dudette (Comment 94) : Keep us updated on any news on that front please!
I am so going to enjoy it when Freddie eventually stuffs up or misses a tackle or FIVE!
Guys, he is a decent player but far too inconsistent.
He aint as bad as Earl Rose but jeez he is not that great either!!
No BMT when it comes to kicking at goal and he is not a good defender.
Maar ons sal maar wag en sien!! 😈
@robdylan (Comment 20) : Promise?
Just in case I double checked the date. It is the first, but not April . . . 😈
@wpw (Comment 110) : Not as much as I`ll enjoy seeing Earl the Pearl run out for you guys matey
@King Shark – Kanko at 12! (Comment 100) : ” where they rightfully belong” – surely you mean King Shaka Internationals’ departure lounge?
Are there any rules regarding the S15 play-offs??
Does a player have to play a certain number of games in the round robin to qualify for the play-offs?
@King Shark – Kanko at 12! (Comment 100) : hey, isnt it a bit harsh on Charl. yip, he`s out of form at the moment, but the guy was instrumental in our CC victory last year. all he needs is a bit of competition, and thats what he`s got now.
If fred’s goal kicking were better he would have been a bok or atleast back up 10,if he was able to.
Ruan was practising with the sharks last night, and then another roomer Johan Muller might just be on his way back home.
@SheldonK (Comment 101) : That’s a very short-term outlook. Ask the Lions how that worked out for them.
I still remember the currie cup final in 2008. I was sitting behind the poles. Habana made a huge break and looked like he was going to score a try near the side line. Michalak run from the the centre of field to make a try saving tackle. The crowd went wild. One of the best rugby moments in my life !
Some people say it was Stef who caught him, but SuperSport loss signal when I wanted to recheck That play will only be in memory.
@Original Pierre (Comment 112) : Ooooh snap! Well said man!
@Mocho (Comment 118) : What happened was that Frans Steyn initially ankle tapped him. This delayed him just enough for Freddy to catch him and make a superb tackle.
There is no way in hell that Freddie’s defence can be worse than Bosman’s.
@King Shark – Kanko at 12! (Comment 120) : O yeah I also remember that as clear as yesterday. On that subject, I felt for Van Staden on saterday as he tried his best to get that tackle.
@wpw (Comment 110) : Thats just mean, its like me saying I cant wait for Habs to stuff up badly in a game, oh wait that happens on a weekly basis. 😈
I found this video on youtube when searching for videos of Freddie in the Sharks. Please please please watch this! Some of you might remeber it http://youtu.be/kuIWjs3ZHpg
Hi all, been a while, trust everyone is chewing finger nails ahead of the Cheetahs game…
So we have, in the last 6 months, bought: Bosman, JLP, Joubert, Michalak.
Swanepoel seems to have been put out to pasture along with the Cronje twins, and Stef while still being a fan favourite, and having done an incredible job at 13 since being moved around is coming to the end of a superb career.
JLP has had limited game time. Bosman is average at best. Joubert is a ballie. Michalak? Lets hope we see his complete skill set!
I understand the need for experience, especially in these key midfield positions. I just dont get why we have bought these players? I would have preferred to see the chequebook being thrown at securing two players that would have had a long career at the Sharks just as Stef, Smit and co have done.
Why could we not have approached Juan de Jongh and secured his services with the view to him getting more starts and not playing second fiddle to the choice centre pairing (jdv, fourie) in world rugby? Add Bradley Barritt to the mix and you have yourself a world-class pairing of young players with a long future ahead
How much have the coffers been raided to secure Michalak, Bosman, JLP and Joubert? I am not convinced by this move at all. Instead of developing the immense talent this union attracts, we are buying players that are so-so, at that for me is not what the sharks are about.
With out fred we would not have won the cc,he played a huge part that season.