The Sharks are back in full swing training-wise, having reconvened last Sunday after their Christmas break.
Today, the Sharks PR department has confirmed two warm-up games ahead of Super Rugby – these are as follows:
27th January – Vodacom Bulls vs. Cell C Sharks (Polokwane)
3rd February – Cell C Sharks vs. Racing 92 (Hong Kong) Natixis Cup
The Super Rugby squad will be finalised and announced early in Feb.
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Will these games be televised? Would love to see Sharks vs Racing
@boertjie101 (Comment 1) : I’m not sure. Typically decisions to televise warm-ups are made very very late.
@robdylan (Comment 2) : Thanks, do you reckon we’ll get to see Lambie in action?
@boertjie101 (Comment 3) : If he’s fit I’m sure they’ll play him!
So again no warm up game in Welkom!?!?!? 🙂
@boertjie101 (Comment 1) : Not as likely as we might think…Racing played Munster yesterday with no Lambie starting or on the bench…also, Dan Carter nearing playing fitness
@SeanJeff (Comment 6) : About two weeks ago Lambie went off with concussion 5 minutes into the game against Oyonnax
@Baylion (Comment 7) : Geez that guy must be the unluckiest man alive.
@Baylion (Comment 7) : @Quintin (Comment 8) : if that’s true then I really think it’s time for him to retire!!! He’s still young and personally I think the risk of permanent brain damage is now becoming a real concern!
@JD (Comment 9) : https://youtu.be/tL9NyjiZSc8?t=237
Lambie is in the white scrum cap. This is probably the worst tackling technique I have ever seen exhibited by Lambie. I’m really concerned about his continued playing and the impact on his long term health.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 10) : I worry for Lambie, that is just too many serious head knocks to take, and considering how long the lingering symptoms lasted, man, its a damn shame.
Good to see The Sharks getting a good hit-out before the season proper.
Although much is said about the Hong-Kong fixture, it will be a good team building experience for the boys.
I am excited for this season and hope the lads have a great training season ahead of the comp!
My concern with these warm up games is that the guys are still a bit fragile as bodies arent 100% conditioned and if we lose another tighthead we could be in serious trouble. As it stands i still think we are a bit thin with what we have. I wouldnt be surprised to see a front row of Beast, Marais, DuToit as the preferred choice…although the hooker selection is not that certain
@SheldonK (Comment 13) : It should be. Franco is head and shoulders above the other two in all round skillset.
@KingCheetah (Comment 14) : Yeh look thats my opinion as well but both Chilliboy and Akker will be pushing hard for inclusion. None of them will be happy as 3rd choice
@SheldonK (Comment 15) : Pretty sure Chilli shot both his feet off with the currie cup semi final and final comments.
@Dragnipur (Comment 16) : Yeh i dunno hey. Guess time will tell but cant see him sticking around if he is 3rd choice playing Supersport Challenge games
@SheldonK (Comment 17) : See Cheetahs have bolstered their lock resources, by signing the young giant from the Lions.
Jean-Pierre du Perez 209 cm and 115 cm. He is credited to being the tallest player in Super Rugby.
@Dragnipur (Comment 16) : Lets not make assumption his in pre season, and having three quality hookers is not something we were able to say for years, lions had a glut of quality hookers in the last three seasons and managed them well, hope we do the same. usually your third or even second choose is still a up and comer. and only your starter is a hard nosed killer of a hooker.
@KingCheetah (Comment 18) : Well done, decent player, lack physically to a degree as he was so tall he looked thin dispite his weight, but you guys can sort that out, great number 5 option.
@revolverocelot (Comment 19) : Yes, he is a lanky player. Think Bekker also weighed 118 in his heyday, playing for the Boks. No doubt he can add 5 kilos or so.
JLdP (ankle) – expected back mid March
Coenie (knee) – out for the season
Stephan Lewies (hip pointer injury) – short term it seems
Are we not talking about Van Straaten being our kicking and defence coach?
Du Preez, Muir, Van Straaten – that is an incredible coaching team, together with Teichmann at the top – we are in a good place with leadership – just want a gnarly forwards coach like Balie Swart to come back. It is great to see the Union in a steady place considering that most other Unions are battling financially.
#Bringbackthecrowds
will get that news up this morning, guys – Apologies but I was out all day yesterday
@robdylan (Comment 23) : Love you Rob, looking forward to the article, feel our coaching team is getting good balance.
@Richard (Comment 24) : love you too buddy 🙂
@Richard (Comment 22) : I would love if they would just get Butch James as a tackling consultant for the inside backs especially. Even Lem would be an awesome mentor to someone like Bosch to work on his defense. There are so many Sharks legends still in Durban whom I am sure would be more than willing to help out on a temporary basis to teach the youngsters.
@KingRiaan (Comment 26) : I think Dickie Muir and Braam are a great combo, mainly because they tackled hard and low – think we got the right mix right now – Butchie would be a great addition to the team especially in the younger ranks – that preseason excitement is starting to really build up in me!
@KingRiaan (Comment 26) : @Richard (Comment 27) : Am i the only one that thought Butch James had a horrific tackle technique? Yes there was lots of bravery and commitment but those are things you cant coach. I wouldnt say Butch was a good technical player…he played very much on the feel of the game.
@SheldonK (Comment 28) : Yeah when King Riaan said Butch as defensive coach I immediately thought red card alert, dedicated and aggressive, but yeah not great technique – Lem on the other hand, yeah that was poetry – when on defence.