Sharks embrace an obvious but forgotten truth

Riches at flyhalf don’t mean much if those players aren’t equipped with value-adding skills.

It’s a concept the Sharks haven’t had any problem grasping as they’ve recruited former Springbok flyhalf Braam van Straaten as kicking coach for this year’s Super Rugby campaign.

South African rugby is continually criticised for it’s poor kicking standards, especially in terms of tactical kicking and decision-making.

But the recruitment of Van Straaten, already a world-renowned specialised coach, is a step in the right direction.

He is familiar with the setup, having been used as a consultant last year.

“It’s great to have people like that here, with great experience,” said Sharks head coach Robert du Preez.

The need for Van Straaten’s input is particularly relevant given the fact that the No 10 jersey is now laden with options for the Durbanites.

Du Preez’s eldest son, Robert jr, was one of the high-profile acquisitions at the end of last season having pulled the strings superbly for Western Province in their Currie Cup campaign.

Of course, there’s also the small matter of a certain Curwin Bosch looking to kick on from a breakthrough season in 2017.

The versatile Garth April has also shown glimpses of being an effective string-puller in Super Rugby.

“(Those players) have really worked well together,” said Du Preez.

“For the first time in my two years here, we have a squad where there won’t be any complacency because there’s so much competition in the team – which is what you want. Everyone is going to have to work hard to get into the starting line-up. But it’s a long season and we’re going to have to carefully consider how we give everyone an opportunity to play.”

The Sharks do have a few headaches among the forwards, with the Springbok duo of prop Coenie Oosthuizen (knee) and flanker Jean-Luc du Preez (ankle) both out with long-term injuries.

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