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Durban - Despite matters pertaining to the boardroom dominating the Sharks preparations for this week’s Super Rugby match against the Blues, the Durban-based franchise has been bolstered by the return of players from the injury list as well as the Springbok camp.
The Sharks website reports that although there have been some changes in the coaching staff this week, captain Keegan Daniel explains that their focus needs to be on training and rugby.
"We are approaching this game as we would any other, we’ve got a big three weeks ahead of us and a lot to prove," he says.
"We just want to come together as a team and start playing like we know we can.
"We’ve had a pretty rough campaign and there’s been a lot of stuff happening in the background, but as a team we have stuck together and we want to go out there and play some great rugby.
"We’re a team that has a culture based around family and supporting each other, so we will support our coaching staff as much as we can over the next few weeks."
He acknowledges that in tough times, tough people need to stand up and be counted and accepts that as a senior player, his role will be important.
"It’s times like these through adversity that leaders really need to stand up, show their character and take the team forward.
"We need to focus solely on playing rugby and what we can control. We want to honour Plum by producing great performances, he’s been a great servant to The Sharks, and so have his coaching staff."
With a returning Test-hardened front row and loose-forwards, as well as a couple of backs, the Sharks welcome them back eagerly as they focus on this Saturday’s clash with the Blues at Kings Park
"There’s a reason those guys are Springboks, so to have that calibre of players coming back is a massive boost for us," he admits.
"Having said that, a lot of guys stepped up against the Lions and we had a few coming back injury and some playing out of position.
"I thought some of the rugby we played was very exciting, so we can build on that.
"Louis Ludik played really well at 13 and is back from injury. Butch is back, which is great, he brings a certain amount of calmness to the backline.
"Cobus I think is available and Jacques Botes makes a welcome return.
"He had an excellent start to the season before his unfortunate injury."
Kick-off for Saturday's match is at 14:50.
The Sharks website reports that although there have been some changes in the coaching staff this week, captain Keegan Daniel explains that their focus needs to be on training and rugby.
"We are approaching this game as we would any other, we’ve got a big three weeks ahead of us and a lot to prove," he says.
"We just want to come together as a team and start playing like we know we can.
"We’ve had a pretty rough campaign and there’s been a lot of stuff happening in the background, but as a team we have stuck together and we want to go out there and play some great rugby.
"We’re a team that has a culture based around family and supporting each other, so we will support our coaching staff as much as we can over the next few weeks."
He acknowledges that in tough times, tough people need to stand up and be counted and accepts that as a senior player, his role will be important.
"It’s times like these through adversity that leaders really need to stand up, show their character and take the team forward.
"We need to focus solely on playing rugby and what we can control. We want to honour Plum by producing great performances, he’s been a great servant to The Sharks, and so have his coaching staff."
With a returning Test-hardened front row and loose-forwards, as well as a couple of backs, the Sharks welcome them back eagerly as they focus on this Saturday’s clash with the Blues at Kings Park
"There’s a reason those guys are Springboks, so to have that calibre of players coming back is a massive boost for us," he admits.
"Having said that, a lot of guys stepped up against the Lions and we had a few coming back injury and some playing out of position.
"I thought some of the rugby we played was very exciting, so we can build on that.
"Louis Ludik played really well at 13 and is back from injury. Butch is back, which is great, he brings a certain amount of calmness to the backline.
"Cobus I think is available and Jacques Botes makes a welcome return.
"He had an excellent start to the season before his unfortunate injury."
Kick-off for Saturday's match is at 14:50.
