As a rule, Sharks loosehead prop Dale Chadwick is a pretty shy guy and it’s not often you’ll anything in the way of media quotes from the 24-year-old Westvillian. The Sharks website did manage to corner him for an interview, though and we’ll reproduce some of it here with their kind permission.
The thing that I found most interesting was the admission that the tight five was so stung by their own performance in the opening round against Griquas, that they made a solemn vow never to repeat that showing. “After that Griquas game, we made a pact as a five that this kind of performance can never happen again in a Sharks jersey, ” says Chadiwck, “and the guys really stood up and showed what we have against the Lions. That gave us confidence in that match and gives us confidence going into this weekend’s game against Free State because we’re a good tight five.”
Players taking that sort of personal responsibility for their own performances and showing pride in the jersey, for me, is a huge positive to come out of that game.
You can read the rest of Dale’s thoughts, including what he thinks of the new scrum engagement sequence, here.

Rob, you had me worried there with this headline!!!
Haha Roberto! You and your headlines!
But I agree – that’s the spirit Boys!!
Good to know 😉
what? 🙂 😳
Was hoping Butch has retired with immediate effect but alas…….
Seems like our ouens like to make these “pacts” after some events per important games…
I remember my 1st time down in durbs and at the tank… 2007 SR final… and yeah it hurted a lot! Anyway what I am getting to is this: Not 1 but most of the ouens told me after that game that they made a pact… never to loose to the bulls in durbs again in SR! And you know it kinda stuck!!! They (the core of the ouens that told me that) kept their promise! But hey new blood comes in and lets be honest, I don’t think you can go much more than the couple of years we had beating the bulls every game in durbs.
But aaaah yeah good old days it was…
I like it someone takes accountability! Good stuff!!
@JarsonX (Comment 5) : Why? The guys a legend and still playing good Rugby. Dont be the next grant10 rash
Its funny how the team always has to have at least one guy that gets picked on… hell even poor Fred Michalak had his turn. Normally the player needs to walk on water to gain redemption.
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 9) : and nobody ever seems to mention his tackle stats when tearing him to shreds. Funny that such a lazy player makes so many tackles…
@robdylan (Comment 10) : I saw those stats – very impressive.
@robdylan (Comment 10) : I think he’s just been unlucky in the past that some of the tackles he has missed has lead to match-winning tries by the opposition. However I do think that this year is the year where he has to establish himself as more than just a currie-cup performer.
@robdylan (Comment 10) : So in your opinion, is he anywhere close to being Springbok quality? Because after all, he’s expected to step into the shoes of our Springbok LH.
I am impressed that the boys have taken responsibility for the scrum, even Dale scrummed well on Friday, something that’s a bit of a rarity. 😈
@FireTheLooser (Comment 13) : LOL, that’s the worst piece of logic I’ve seen in a long time.
@FireTheLooser (Comment 13) : agree ! We want our younger players to become the next beast!
@JarsonX (Comment 5) :
Who would be your backup 10 if Zeilinga went down?
The stats are impessive and please may he continue to play this way and make me eat my words,I will be the happiest supporter but as stated by Geat Couch Shark there is/was a perseption of missing/lazy tackling and an easy channel to attack.
@MysticShark (Comment 14) : So you’d replace your Ford Ranger with a Nissan 1400? 🙄
@robdylan (Comment 10) :
Isn’t his primary job to scrum though? And he is piss poor at that.
The other guys may have lifted their performance but his scrumming performance certainly didn’t get lifted.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 19) : did you miss the first half?
Seems to me Dale can only scrum for 50min. Against GW he was piss poor the first 30 and then for the last 50 he scrumed well, the against Lions he was good the first 50 and then the last 30 he was poor in the scrum. Sharks need another LH that can play 80min to help Beast in super rugby, so I think it’s time for him to shape up or ship out!
@JD (Comment 21) : What?! Didn’t you see his tackle count…he also scored a try vs. the snoiL in the June challenge series…his lack of scrumming ability is irrelevant, it’s rugby league ya know. 😈
@JD (Comment 21) : pretty sure that is due to the new scrum laws. From what I’ve read the general feeling is that props will last about 50 minutes.
gregkaos great then Dale should be used to the new scrum rules as he’s been only scruming for 50min since last year (usually last 50).
Gents you are being way to negative about his scrumming ability and his great tackling
He also gets paid a fat cheque for this as well