In an interview with Darren Scott of Ballz Visual Radio, Sharks eighthman Ryan Kankowski has poured cold water on talk of divisions within the Sharks squad.
In a prior interview with Craig Ray of the Sunday Times, Kankowski appeared to express “shock and disappointment” at his sudden axing from the Sharks tour squad a fortnight ago and while there is always the possibility of a bit of creative licence on the part of the writer, the picture that was painted was one of a seriously strained relationship between the player and coach John Plumtree. Allegations were made that Kankowski was furious at the way he’d been treated and was actively looking for an exit from the Sharks setup.
The tone of yesterday’s chat with Scott couldn’t have been more different, though, with a contrite yet pragmatic-sounding Kankowksi seemingly more accepting of his lot and working hard to get back into contention. He confirmed that he is training with the Vodacom Cup squad, but it’s not currently clear as to whether he might come into the selection frame for this weekend’s quarter-final against the Lions.
Here is the interview, courtesy of ballz.co.za.
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Rob i had a chat with a person at the academy the other day and he said there is huge unhappiness in all the sharks structures,sounds like some senior players contracts were cut
Loving the videos linking to the stories! Kanko sounds happy, so that’s good. I’ve been wondering why he wasn’t playing for the Sharks XV, hopefully they give him some game time to show he’s back on form.
Good news. I hope Kanko comes back stronger. I didnt think he was thst bad, tbh, but thats neither here nor there.
@Big Fish (Comment 3) : Especially since he played most games out of position
@Big Fish (Comment 3) : I didn’t think so either but then Terra had a blinder on the weekend.
@Bokhoring (Comment 4) : Funny you should say that…I heard from a trustworthy source that the ‘disagreement’ was precisely about Kanko being played out of position, it had nothing to do with form.
This makes me sad, as the Sharks could really make use of Kanko now.
@Loosehead (Comment 7) : I agree
Urrrghh…. Darren Scott.
Both Keo and Darren now webcamming themselves as if they’re on prime time tv.
One thing I noticed about Kanko playing at 7 vs 8, for both the Boks and the Sharks, is that he plays a very different game. He plays a much tighter game at 7, and is far more active at the breakdown and does not seem to find the space to really excel with ball in hand. I personally think he has played well at 7, we just miss his trademark runs when he has more space. I think he is much better at 8, but at 7 he really has not been that much off form.
@Loosehead (Comment 7) : @robdylan (Comment 8) : don’t worry if this keeps on happening I can see that some other team will make use of Kanko and then the Sharks will not be able to borrow him when the need him like they doing with Lindeque now.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 10) : if you pick a player out of possition stop blaming the player if he does not perform as you expect him to!!!!!!!!!! Kanko is a no 8 and should play there. He is waaaayyyyy better than Keegan at 8.