The squad, broken down

No Tyler Fisher?! Shock horror! Comment 1, posted at 10.02.15 14:41:01 by Pokkel

It’s not easy picking a squad as some players will miss out. Having so many talented players at the Sharks I’m just glad I don’t have to pick who’s in or who’s out as some people will always be unhappy because “their player” did not make it. Good luck Mr. Gold & co!!!!!!!! Comment 2, posted at 10.02.15 14:42:23 by JD

Thanks Rob! Any idea on when Claassens will be available to the Sharks? Comment 3, posted at 10.02.15 14:44:10 by vanmartin

@Pokkel (Comment 1) : 😈 This is becoming a thing now, isn’t it? Soon it will rival the “turbo reverse” comment. Comment 4, posted at 10.02.15 14:44:51 by vanmartin

@vanmartin (Comment 3) : Short answer: no. Comment 5, posted at 10.02.15 14:45:38 by robdylan

@robdylan (Comment 5) : Short answer to rival your short answer: ta. Comment 6, posted at 10.02.15 14:47:18 by vanmartin

@vanmartin (Comment 6) : I’ll try find out. Comment 7, posted at 10.02.15 14:59:42 by robdylan

@robdylan (Comment 7) : Thanks but you can put it way down on the priority list. I was just curious. Comment 8, posted at 10.02.15 15:25:17 by vanmartin

@vanmartin (Comment 3) : @robdylan (Comment 5) : only when he’s in Durban. 😈 Comment 9, posted at 10.02.15 15:26:32 by JD

@vanmartin (Comment 8) : I read he’ll play out his contract with Toulon. So when their season end I suppose. Also, I don’t think they will let him go earlier, since they need players during six nations. Comment 10, posted at 10.02.15 15:42:12 by Letgo

I like this squad, barring injuries, its actually an exceptional squad. Yes, sure there are question marks over the likes of Paul Perez ahead of Fisher, and Jaco Van Tonder out etc, but its obvious that when the injured players return the squad would be more than 40, so the door is not closed on those excluded. Hoping that Steyn and JPP are with us soon enough, don’t like them being gone, as for Hoff, well – he has to make me appreciate him again. If he can regain some form, then I will be a big fan. Comment 11, posted at 10.02.15 15:44:41 by Richard

@vanmartin (Comment 8) : According to the fixtures on the Toulon site their last round (23) is played 23/05/2015. It seems weird to announce a signing if he will only arrive nearing the end of our season, so I’m not sure if that is right, but I did read that he will play out his contract so, maybe we’ll have to wait and see … or maybe Rob will come up with a better answer. Comment 12, posted at 10.02.15 15:51:31 by Letgo

Good squad and nice depth in most positions. I know it is the new ‘professional era’, but I still find it sitting uneasy when the go to response to filling in gaps is buying in outside older players rather than looking locally for talented youngsters that could rather be given the opportunity. Just saying. Comment 13, posted at 10.02.15 16:35:10 by stevovo

I really like the look of our squad this year. So glad Wolla is back, with him Bissie and Marcell we gonna steal a lot of ball, if our backline can find their “groove” it’s gonna be a thing of beauty. GO SHARKS Comment 14, posted at 10.02.15 18:56:31 by CrazySharkFan

@Letgo (Comment 12) : Thanks! Comment 15, posted at 10.02.15 18:58:45 by vanmartin

I know some people commented about Hanco Venter not being there, but in squad of 40 it’s not really possible to have 6 scrummies is it? Comment 16, posted at 10.02.15 19:23:42 by pastorshark

Overall this is a good squad…now to play some good rugby! Comment 17, posted at 10.02.15 19:24:20 by pastorshark

@Pokkel (Comment 1) : I actually wish I could see Fisher play so that I could figure out what all the fuss is about. I only ever saw those few minutes against Saracens… Comment 18, posted at 10.02.15 19:26:16 by pastorshark

Players id like to see more of this SR campaign, starting up front: Thomas du Toit, Pieter-Stef du Toit (nice to NOT see that name on the injured list) , Renaldo Bothma, Cameron Wright, Fred Zeilinga, Andre Esterhuizen and Paul Perez Comment 19, posted at 10.02.15 19:26:36 by pierre_mackie

@stevovo (Comment 13) : Although, overall, the squad does have a nice balance between youth and experience…but I do see the point… Comment 20, posted at 10.02.15 19:28:13 by pastorshark

I see that Steven Sykes is off to join the Cheetahs… 😥 Comment 21, posted at 10.02.15 19:34:47 by pastorshark

@pastorshark (Comment 21) : Here’s the link… http://www.superxv.co.za/45404/1/former-shark-sykes-starts-training-with-cheetahs#.VNo6NtsaL6A Comment 22, posted at 10.02.15 19:35:57 by pastorshark

@pastorshark (Comment 16) : It would only be five scrummies. I don’t know what Hoffman is, but a scrummie he ain’t Comment 23, posted at 10.02.15 19:44:58 by Culling Song

@Culling Song (Comment 23) : Kakaka!! Comment 24, posted at 10.02.15 19:47:31 by pastorshark

@pastorshark (Comment 18) : ja that would be nice!!!! Comment 25, posted at 10.02.15 22:10:04 by JD

@pastorshark (Comment 22) : would make sense to get some experience into a relatively “green” tight five. Wonder why no team got Spekmen from the Pumas for Super rugby. I see he’s off to join the sevens. Comment 26, posted at 10.02.15 22:13:33 by JD

@Culling Song (Comment 23) : oet the medical staff needs someone to practice on. 😉 Comment 27, posted at 10.02.15 22:16:14 by JD

@Letgo (Comment 12) : don’t think it was really as much of an announcement as just a confirmation that he’s moving to Durbs. Deysel now that was a (very nice) surprise announcement! !!!! Comment 28, posted at 10.02.15 22:38:10 by JD

@pierre_mackie (Comment 19) : don’t think you will see as much of PSDT as we hoped for as I’m sure he will also form part of the “resting squad”. Interesting to see Perez on your list, how do you rate him as a player and did you see him play? Comment 29, posted at 10.02.15 22:41:36 by JD

@JD (Comment 26) : Green tight five? Du Plessis, du Plessis, Beast, Stevens, Wentzel, Botha…there’s a lot of distinctly ungreen there? Comment 30, posted at 11.02.15 06:34:05 by pastorshark

@JD (Comment 27) : That’s brilliant… Comment 31, posted at 11.02.15 06:35:32 by pastorshark

@JD (Comment 29) : I think we’ll see plenty of PSdT (and that is not an attempt to tempt fate, so injuries…get lost!)…the resting squad only has to rest as much as we were going to rotate anyway… Comment 32, posted at 11.02.15 06:37:56 by pastorshark

I see that the Lions are playing an u20s hooker, young Malcolm Marx. Good for Johann Ackermann to show faith in him. I am looking forward to seeing him play… Comment 33, posted at 11.02.15 06:44:29 by pastorshark

I also see that the Cheetahs have named their side to play the Sharks. They can still pick a very decent starting 15, and their backline looks to be dangerous. The loosies look good too, but the front row could be a weakness? And we’ll see how Joe Petersen goes at flyhalf… Comment 34, posted at 11.02.15 06:47:35 by pastorshark

http://www.superxv.co.za/45409/1/pietersen-starts-at-10-for-cheetahs-against-sharks#.VNrd39saL6A Comment 35, posted at 11.02.15 06:48:08 by pastorshark

@pastorshark (Comment 32) : was referring to Sykes training at the Cheetahs. Comment 36, posted at 11.02.15 08:02:36 by JD

@pastorshark (Comment 34) : What happened to Sadie and Coenie(injured again?)he must move to blindside to stop this neck injuries 😆 😈 Comment 37, posted at 11.02.15 08:47:28 by Chippa

@JD (Comment 29) : Well PSTD haven’t played for two years, I’d give him a few games. Perez did well at EP but they underutilised him imo, Sharks can use him to their advantage, when last did we have a big strong runner that can break a few tackles Comment 38, posted at 11.02.15 08:55:58 by pierre_mackie

@pastorshark (Comment 35) : Not a bad side but they’ll need to have a good strategy in place at the breakdowns. The Sharks boast a few more pilferers. I’m sure they’ve studied the Toulon match from all angles and have taken note of this though. Comment 39, posted at 11.02.15 09:16:33 by vanmartin

@JD (Comment 2) : it’s difficult to pick a side; but when we’re purchasing old players and neglecting ‘homegrown’talent i start to worry. Comment 40, posted at 11.02.15 10:07:56 by money

@pierre_mackie (Comment 38) : JP, Frans, Esterhuizen? Comment 41, posted at 11.02.15 10:08:35 by Big Fish

@money (Comment 40) : I’d love to see all this supposed “homegrown” talent able to miraculously float into the SR team, and help us win the cup. Fact is, players like Lambie and Coetsee are very rare anomalies…the other two youngsters able to slot into the SR team at a young age came form the Cape (PSdT and Thomas du Toit). The coaches have shown a willingness to play the right young guys. When they choose not to throw a youngster to the wolves, I suppose it is because they’ve seen something that tells them said player is not ready for the big leagues. Comment 42, posted at 11.02.15 10:21:59 by FireTheLooser

@FireTheLooser (Comment 42) : Fair point Comment 43, posted at 11.02.15 10:32:29 by vanmartin

@FireTheLooser (Comment 42) : Fair. You can understand my frustration though I’m sure. Comment 44, posted at 11.02.15 10:34:36 by money

@FireTheLooser (Comment 42) : Agree 100%, I am a big Tyler Fisher fan but I am not the experienced coach and there must be a reason they are holding back on him. Comment 45, posted at 11.02.15 10:37:17 by sharks_lover

My team for the weekend, although I know it would not be the case, also I am taking it all are fit and ready in the squad. 15 Steyn 14 JpP 13 Sbura 12 Esterhuizen 11 Mvovo 10 Lambie 09 Reinach 08 Kanko/Mtembu/Bothma 07 Deysel 06 Coetzee 05 PSDT 04 Botha 03 Jannie 02 Bissy (Capt) 01 Beast 16 Cooper 17 Du Toit 18 Stevens/Adriaanse 19 Oosthuizen/Wentzel 20 Bothma/Tera/Kanko 21 Ungerer 22 Zeilinga 23 Odwa/Cronje Of course this team depends on if Kanko, Steyn and JpP are available this weekend, Also I have not seen Wilson play and Perez did not impress in France but also did not see much of the ball. Comment 46, posted at 11.02.15 10:49:01 by sharks_lover

@sharks_lover (Comment 46) : If memory serves both Mtembu and Oosthuizen may be on the injury list. Comment 47, posted at 11.02.15 10:59:39 by vanmartin

@sharks_lover (Comment 46) : My squad for Sat (in terms of who I believe is available): 15 SP 14 Odwa 13 Sbura 12 Heimar 11 Mvovo 10 Lambie 09 Reinach 08 Tera 07 Bothma 06 Coetzee 05 PSDT 04 Botha 03 Jannie 02 Bissy (Capt) 01 Beast 16 Cooper 17 Du Toit 18 Adriaanse 19 Wentzel 20 Deysel 21 Wright 22 Zeilinga 23 Esterhuizen Comment 48, posted at 11.02.15 11:15:30 by stevovo

@stevovo (Comment 48) : I think you’re quite close to the actual team, however I think Deysel might start ahead of Bothma who comes off the bench as either 8th man or blindside flank. As good as Bothma is, Deysel is simply better. Comment 49, posted at 11.02.15 11:22:41 by Richard

@vanmartin (Comment 47) : Not Sure boet, like I said this team I selected is only what team I would like to see, but I know there ain’t a chance in hell of that happening lol Comment 50, posted at 11.02.15 11:33:36 by sharks_lover

@FireTheLooser (Comment 42) : @money (Comment 44) : I know its not Super Rugby but that UCT Varsity Cup side is littered with KZN schools boys. Comment 51, posted at 11.02.15 11:35:16 by Salmonoid the Subtle

@stevovo (Comment 48) : Agree with you team but agree with Richard re Deysel, he is the real & in the team, Of course I selected my team taking it all fit and available, your team is more realistic with players not here yet. Comment 52, posted at 11.02.15 11:36:22 by sharks_lover

@Richard (Comment 49) : @sharks_lover (Comment 52) : Agree with both of you that Deysel is the better player, but having just come back from Japan and not had a lot of time to train with the boys it may be a better option, for this game at least, to let him come off the bench. That was the only reason. Comment 53, posted at 11.02.15 11:39:59 by stevovo

@sharks_lover (Comment 52) : I’m amazed you wouldn’t pick Lewies when all are fit considering how he played last year ❓ Jordaan 😕 Comment 54, posted at 11.02.15 11:59:42 by Chippa

@Chippa (Comment 37) : tighthead boet, blindside is for loosies!!!!! 😈 Comment 55, posted at 11.02.15 11:59:48 by JD

@pierre_mackie (Comment 38) : hope you’re correct and he does perform! Comment 56, posted at 11.02.15 12:02:53 by JD

@Chippa (Comment 54) : Uhm, Chippa we all know P Jordaan, Lewies and are out for a long time still, the players I chose are all within the squad of 40 😉 Comment 57, posted at 11.02.15 12:05:10 by sharks_lover

@stevovo (Comment 53) : Boet the other argument for using Deysel, Kanko Steyn and JpP is that they have been playing till recently and are match fit?? Comment 58, posted at 11.02.15 12:06:09 by sharks_lover

@stevovo (Comment 53) : And remember Deysel has been training with the team since Monday Comment 59, posted at 11.02.15 12:06:55 by sharks_lover

@money (Comment 40) : @FireTheLooser (Comment 42) : I’m not even going to comment on old vs young players as I’m gatvol for all the bitching. The coach will pick (and buy) the players he feels is right to play Super rugby beacause if they do not perform he will lose his job!!!!!!!! We all have our favorite players but that does not make them Super rugby quality at this stage! Comment 60, posted at 11.02.15 12:07:25 by JD

What I would like to see is Wilson get a chance so one can see what he brings to the table. Comment 61, posted at 11.02.15 12:07:37 by sharks_lover

@JD (Comment 60) : Agree with you JD, Comment 62, posted at 11.02.15 12:08:30 by sharks_lover

@sharks_lover (Comment 59) : and he played for the Sharks last year!!! Comment 63, posted at 11.02.15 12:14:46 by JD

@stevovo (Comment 48) : I do like your team it’s just 15 that’s a worry. Maybe use Odwa or Mvovo at 15 and play Wilson or Perez on the wing. Comment 64, posted at 11.02.15 12:17:34 by JD

@JD (Comment 55) : He can’t scrum forward from TH 😈 but he has the ryt weight(just needs to lose the belly) for Blindside flank plus he won’t be facing opp front rows headon. Conditioning will be important because he is faster than Alberts or Duanne 😉 @sharks_lover (Comment 57) : Missed that 😳 Comment 65, posted at 11.02.15 12:19:18 by Chippa

Gees… Where’s the like button? So now I actually have to write a comment? 🙄 Good squad…just wondering if we’ll see proper Super Rugby with this being a World Cup year and the players mentioning it in every single interview they do… Comment 66, posted at 11.02.15 12:36:02 by blackshark - the lurker

@sharks_lover (Comment 58) : Yes you have a point, be interesting to see which way the coaches go. @JD (Comment 64) : I would start SP, give him opportunity (yes another one) to get his groove back against the likes of Cheetahs, you could always reshuffle Odwa or Mvovo is things start going awry. Comment 67, posted at 11.02.15 12:36:55 by stevovo

any idea on the time the squad will be announced? who do you guys think will realistically start at 12? Comment 68, posted at 11.02.15 13:11:21 by AYA11

Afternoon gents…was doing my superbru fantasy squad,and low and behold who they have as an option from the Sharks…none other than ‘ol Timmy Whitehead…nearly shat myself!haha My team for Cheetahs game would look like this… 1.Beast 2.Bissie 3.Jannie 4.Mo Botha 5.PSdT 6.Marcel 7.Stysel Deysel 8.Tera 9.Reinach 10.Lambie 11.Mvovo 12.Williams 13.Sithole 14.Odwa/Wilson 15.SP 16.The Tank (TH) neither Adriaanse or Stevens impressive 17.Cooper 18.Chadwick (deserves an opportunity) 19.Oosthuizen/Wentzel 20.Bothma 21.Ungerer/Wright/Hoffman (in that order of availabilty) 22.Zeilinga 23.Esterhuizen Comment 69, posted at 11.02.15 13:19:30 by BarendL

Your best bet would be: 15. SP 14. Mvovo 13. Sithole 12. Esterhuizen 11. Williams 10. Lambie 9. Reinach 1. Beast 2. Bismark 3. Jannie 4. Oosthuizen 5. PSDT 6. Coetzee 7. Bothma 8. Mtembu Comment 70, posted at 11.02.15 13:21:43 by Saffex

@Saffex (Comment 70) : I agree we cant have Esterhuizen on the bench.He has to start and settle into the starting team asap!!!He’s like the Bismarck of the backline. Comment 71, posted at 11.02.15 13:40:30 by tigershark

@stevovo (Comment 53) : fair play, it is indeed exciting to be able to call on Bothma, Deysel, Alberts, Tera and Coetzee. Some serious firepower there. (You’ll see I tend not to mention Kanko too often, needs to give us something worth talking about. Comment 72, posted at 11.02.15 13:43:21 by Richard

@Richard (Comment 72) : Agreed. It seems the guys that come back from Japan just don’t have the energy levels, enthusiasm or drive (understandably) as those that have been part of the home based training squad. Will be interesting to see if Deysel breaks this mould. Comment 73, posted at 11.02.15 14:01:27 by stevovo

@stevovo (Comment 73) : Deysel is looking fresh and crisp at training and in very good physical condition. Bringing good energy to the squad. As for Japan, I agree, I am always angered at the lack of intensity, but Deysel loves intensity and big game rugby. He is not the lazy kind. Hoping for a big season from him. Excited by our depth at loose forward – it was sad to see him and Keegan leave us, but with Bothma in the squad and with Deysel firing on all cylinders – I’m pretty chuffed. Comment 74, posted at 11.02.15 14:16:37 by Richard

Come on Gary,give us a team! 😥 Comment 75, posted at 11.02.15 14:22:02 by Southern_Shark

@Chippa (Comment 65) : sorry to say but I can’t see him moving to 7. Maybe a move to hooker can work (if his neck allows it) but 7 is a totally other setup. He has a good work rate for a prop but can’t see him competing with Deysel, Bothma and co. Comment 76, posted at 11.02.15 14:23:31 by JD

@AYA11 (Comment 68) : think Esterhuizen will start but I would start with Heimar. Comment 77, posted at 11.02.15 14:25:45 by JD

@BarendL (Comment 69) : nice starting team but don’t think Esterhuizen and Fred will both be on the bench as this gives you no cover for outside backs. Think Cronje and Wilson/Perez will be on bench to cover backs Comment 78, posted at 11.02.15 14:30:06 by JD

@JD (Comment 77) : @JD (Comment 77) : Why would you choose Heimar over Esterhuizen? Comment 79, posted at 11.02.15 14:32:02 by tigershark

@Richard (Comment 74) : glad to hear good things about how Deysel is looking. Man I’m glad he’s back!!!!!!!!!! Comment 80, posted at 11.02.15 14:32:54 by JD

@tigershark (Comment 79) : it’s not as if I don’t rate Esterhuizen. He’s a brut of a player and is going to be huge for the Sharks but curently I just think Heimar is a beter option at 12. Neither player will let the team down and I will not cry if Esterheizen starts it’s just how I think they should play. Comment 81, posted at 11.02.15 14:38:25 by JD

NO Comment 82, posted at 11.02.15 14:42:00 by The hound

Esterhuizen is potentially the best centre we have had since Brad Barritt,he’s classic in the Sony Bill mould,put him next to Frans Steyn and my overinflated season tickets just got a whole lot more desirable. Comment 83, posted at 11.02.15 14:45:45 by The hound

@JD (Comment 81) : Hey not having a go at you reguarding heimar.Was just wondering why you chose him to start.I haven’t really seen anything from him that has impressed me but he’s definitely a quality player.Esterhuizen just has that something other teams will fear!!! 😈 Comment 84, posted at 11.02.15 14:47:46 by tigershark

@JD (Comment 81) : Im not saying Esterhuizen is the complete package yet and we will probably see some blunders from him in the beginning, but that’s why he needs all the game time and experience he can get. Comment 85, posted at 11.02.15 14:53:25 by tigershark

@tigershark (Comment 85) : I know boet and i did not take it as an attack. Currently I just think he’s a more rounded player but like I said Esterhuizen is a good player and I would not mind him starting. Comment 86, posted at 11.02.15 15:32:42 by JD

@JD (Comment 78) : I’d like Esterhuizen in my starting team,just think that Heimar will distribute the ball more than he will,bashing into tired legs come second half could work wonders! My idea was that SP could go off,Mvovo or Odwa could shift to 15,Sithole to the outside and maybe Heimar and Esterhuizen could interchange in the midfield depending on the situation/play…maybe even Lambie moving to 12 with Esterhuizen at 13 when Fred comes on? Just spitballing? Comment 87, posted at 11.02.15 20:03:34 by BarendL

@BarendL (Comment 87) : that’s why I’d like Heimar to start as his distribution skills is better. Comment 88, posted at 11.02.15 22:18:32 by JD

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