Sharks to reveal new ‘identity’ on tour as URC season set for kick off

With the new United Rugby Championship season starting at the weekend, the Sharks begin their campaign with a four-week tour of Europe, and according to assistant coach Dave Williams, the main goal of the tour will be to introduce the new identity of the team to the faithful.

The tour, which starts on Saturday with a clash against defending champions Munster at Thomond Park, will mark John Plumtree’s second tenure as the Durban-based franchise’s coach, with Neil Powell still at the helm as the director of rugby.

The Sharks will be without their Springboks galacticos Eben Etzebeth, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche and Lukhanyo Am, who are in France preparing for a Rugby World Cup semi-final this weekend. Their absence during the pre-season has allowed the team’s management it instill a new philosophy in the squad.

Sharks identity

This first Northern Hemisphere tour of the new URC season will be used to measure the progress the team have made in the off-season, and speaking to the media on Monday before the team’s departure, Williams, who’s responsible for the attack, shared their goals for the tour.

“Target-wise it’s about us portraying what the Sharks want to be about,” Williams said, “so when the people watch us they can see a team that’s got a bit of ambition … that wants to be relentless on the field.

“That’s our main focus, the winning and commitment is massive for us, but it’s displaying what the new Sharks way is all about,” he said.

New additions

The Sharks’ 28-man touring squad will be captained by Francois Venter and includes Springboks Coenie Oosthuizen, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Aphelele Fassi, Aphiwe Dyantyi and veteran Francois Hougaard.

Venter also shared what new aspects the new coaching team introduced to the group in the pre-season and what’s expected from the team going forward.

“Firstly, to get a higher purpose in the team, it is one of our biggest focus points,” Venter said.

“And just connection, I think we are building something new, we are working on a new Sharks way: the way we portray ourselves to the fans.

“We want to change our behaviour on and off the field, that’s our main focus. Coach John (Plumtree) made a massive impact on everyone and he demands respect without him even knowing it. For us, it’s good to play for someone you believe in, it’s just for us to go and perform,” he said.