Super Rugby team preview: Time for the Sharks to shift up a gear

If the Sharks needs to make sense of what exactly last year’s Currie Cup title victory means for 2019’s Super Rugby campaign, they need not look further than what it did for the Lions in 2015.

In that World Cup year, critics bemoaned a domestic competition that was watered down, but the Lions were hardly bothered in generally romping towards the hallowed trophy.

Yet what was notable about that triumph was how it laid the foundation for three consecutive Super Rugby finals.

Robert du Preez’s side is currently blessed with a similar type of continuity as well as the confidence that winning a trophy naturally brings to any side.

2019 is the year they need to make a statement.

What counts in their favour?

A settled squad is an obvious strength, but a really mouthwatering prospect is that of the Sharks going stepping onto the field with a refined game-plan.

Under Du Preez they’ve been measured and practical though they’ve at times lacked killer instinct and creativity.

The recruitment of the highly regarded David Williams as attack coach and the continued involvement of former England international Nick Easter on defence could change all that.

Both positions aren’t portfolios that will change the whole system.

It will merely refine it … and that’s exactly what the Sharks need.

What will hinder them?

Ironically exactly what’s just been mentioned.

Du Preez is known for not being an overly collaborative thinker and will need to trust his support staff and players.

Setbacks also shouldn’t necessarily be dealt with by reverting back to a more conservative approach as dogmatically sticking to a game-plan is what’s proved a weakness previously.

Additionally, there are some question marks still over the overall creativity in the backline as well as the quality of the locks.

Key player

Thomas du Toit of the Cell C Sharks during the Currie Cup match between Cell C Sharks and Xerox Golden Lions XV at Jonsson Kings Park Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images)

There are numerous, but the role of the gifted Thomas du Toit is going to be massive.

The 23-year-old versatile prop arguably made a bigger overall impact than Steven Kitshoff on last year’s trip to Europe for the Boks.

His dynamic carries can add vital impetus to the Sharks’ attack, while his strong scrummaging provides much of the platform that the team plays from.

Don’t forget his defence and ability on the ground.

Youngster to watch

Aphelele Fassi of the Cell C Sharks and Sergeal Petersen of DHL Western Province during the Currie Cup final match between DHL Western Province and Cell C Sharks at DHL Newlands on October 27, 2018 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)

21-year-old Aphelele Fassi made a massive impression in last year’s Currie Cup, seamlessly fitting in between fullback and wing.

He’ll be keen to make the step up and can potentially provide the backline with some X-factor.

Verdict: Semifinalists

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