The Bloemfontein conveyor belt continues to offload top quality players in Durban and the latest additions, fullback Willie le Roux and fullback/flyhalf Joe Pietersen will be gratefully received by the Sharks, who next week bid farewell to Grey Bloem schooled brothers Bismarck and Jannie du Plessis.
There is speculation that there are a few more deliveries on course for the Shark Tank, including wing Cornal Hendricks, who has confirmed he is leaving the Cheetahs but has not yet revealed his new franchise.
But it is Le Roux’s signing that will put smiles on dials in Durbs after a disappointing Super Rugby campaign.
The elusive, hot-stepping, neat-off-loading Springbok fullback will fit perfectly into the brand of rugby the Sharks envisage playing next season. They wanted to get attacking rugby off the ground this year but too many injuries to too many key personnel made it difficult to play the way wanted to.
Next year’s Sharks team will take an interesting shape. With Patrick Lambie hopefully fit and former Stormers fullback Pietersen able to play two important positions, plus Lionel Cronjé coming through at flyhalf, there won’t be much room for currently injured Sharks fullback SP Marais.
It adds up to good depth and an exciting brand of rugby.
Le Roux is the incumbent Springbok fullback and has already rattled up 25 caps since making his debut at, fittingly, Durban, in the June 2013 Test against Italy.
The attacking fullback boasts an impressive try-scoring strike-rate with seven touch-downs in Test matches and a notable win record of 76percent at international level.
Confirming his signing, Sharks CEO John Smit said: “Willie is an excellent acquisition for the Sharks. He is a game-breaker who has shown on numerous occasions his class and ability to turn defence into attack. He will certainly strengthen and add great value to our backline.
“We are delighted he has accepted our offer to ply his trade in Durban and look forward to welcoming him to the Sharks family.”
Smit, meanwhile, confirmed that the Sharks are not in discussions with former Springbok and Stormers lock Andries Bekker, who is looking to return to South Africa to qualify for World Cup selection. - The Star