The Sharks, the original entertainers of the professional era… remember them? They were in Kimberley yesterday, playing their penultimate fixture of a year that has dragged itself wearily to an inevitable conclusion.
That ending, of course, has not been of the sweet variety that the Sharks faithful had grown accustomed to. These are tough times at Kings Park, an extended hangover of some massive changes inside the walls of the building, which have spilled over to matters on the field.
Only a blind man would say that things are going according to plan for the Durban franchise. No single union has the divine right to go merrily on every season, immune from poor form, extensive injuries and, just rank bad timing.
At the moment, it seems that the Sharks have acquired all three problems at once, and the debilitating effect of those has seen them slip into the uncomfortable territory of also-rans. Director of Rugby Gary Gold was refreshingly frank in his assessment of the year thus far, admitting that there was absolutely nothing gained from a grim Super Rugby campaign.
One could add that there has been little gained from a stuttering Currie Cup season, either, as the Sharks have handled pressure like the novices sprinkled across their squad. Skipper Marco Wentzel referred to “minutes of insanity” that cost them against the Bulls in their last home game, but similar descriptions have been offered all season, for different opponents, at different times, but all with the same outcome.
In an era of sugar-coating and unnecessary back-slapping, Gold’s honesty this week was revealing, because it laid bare the extent of work that he – and whoever the bosses drag in to help – has to get through next year, to restore pride.
But it was also necessary, because he knows that consistently talking up, and then falling short, is a sure way of losing credibility. He has craved his side to do their talking on the field, but those conversations have been very limited.
Indeed, much of their rugby has stopped in mid-sentence, leaving their dwindling fans increasingly underwhelmed. Gold is adamant that in 2016, the Sharks have to start afresh. They have to instil their faith in youngsters, the very same players cutting their teeth at the Currie Cup this term. Some have adjusted to the step up in intensity, but others still have a mighty long way to go between now and next February, when the Sharks wade into new waters.
An extended competition, with new frontiers and fresh rivals and intriguing destinations is all very attractive, but the Sharks would be loath to be suckling on the hind tit yet again. On paper, they should be stronger than they were this year.
For one thing, there won’t be the World Cup elephant in the dressing room, and players like Pat Lambie, Willie le Roux and Cobus Reinach will be available every week, and likely very hungry to prove a point or three.
But passion alone won’t do the job. Gold knows that the patience he seeks is also not indefinite. Every piece of string has a start and an end, and results the Sharks have served up in 2015 have made that rope shorter than usual.
Of course, it’s not all his fault, but it is his problem to solve now. The Sharks are in a hole, one that grows deeper and darker by the week, it seems. Somehow, Gold needs to find the tools to start digging his side back towards relevance.
For two seasons too long, the Sharks have become a footnote when it comes to discussing South African rugby. The World Cup has deflected much of the shortcomings for now, but the piece of string withers away, regardless.
The tide has to change. And fast.
– THE SUNDAY ITCH