Sharks too strong to be so toothless

The most powerful squad among the SA teams in the Vodacom URC, the Sharks’ performances this season have been a betrayal to those who have invested in the club, writes MARK KEOHANE.

John Plumtree’s men tackle Ulster at Kingspan Stadium on Saturday night in round 16 of the URC, after a scrappy win in Edinburgh last week. The Durbanites are fourth on the standings and a victory in Belfast could consolidate their place in the race to the playoffs.

Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane argues that the Sharks must make a huge statement with their World Cup-winning Springboks leading the charge for maximum points.

He remains disappointed by a meek EPCR Challenge Cup surrender after fielding a second-string side against Lyon, followed by an embarrassing home defeat to a depleted Leinster before a last-gasp win in the Scottish capital.

Keohane singles out Siya Kolisi for consistently bringing passion and presence, but laments that the Bok skipper has too often stood as a “lone ranger” among the forwards.

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With Eben Etzebeth now back after a four-month layoff, Keohane insists both World Cup winners must spearhead a performance worthy of the squad’s pedigree.

Elsewhere, Keohane tips the Stormers to secure playoff safety against Benetton while predicting tour fatigue might finally catch up with the Vodacom Bulls in Glasgow.

“John Plumtree’s Sharks were a disappointment in the Investec Champions Cup in not qualifying for the bigger playoff dances and the letdown was even bigger when they waved the white flag, in terms of selection, before playing Lyon in the Challenge Cup last 16,” he writes.

“Outside of Leinster, the Sharks have the most expensive and most talented group of players in the league. Their performances this season have been a betrayal to those who have invested in the ownership of the club.

“Belfast, filled with so much history, both famous and infamous, is where the Sharks must give their supporters the type of performance that has them believing that this squad is good enough to go to Dublin and beat Leinster.”

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