DURBAN - There is no reason for the Sharks to panic or worry that their Currie Cup season is in danger, in fact, they are two from two with bonus-point wins in both games, against the Blue Bulls and Free State Cheetahs.
However, in both those encounters the Sharks did not look like they were ready to blow the competition away. The Bulls butchered an embarrassing amount of chances to put the boot in the Sharks when they played them at Kings Park, and the Cheetahs should have been easily put away on Saturday.
The Sharks have really failed to impress in the Currie Cup so far, especially considering the team that they boast, and the continuity from Super Rugby. They have a spine of Springboks through hooker, No 8, 9, 10 as well as 15 and a lot of promising youngsters.
However, there are still too many errors in their general play, and the inability to convert chances continues to plague the Durban-based outfit. It was disappointing to see that the Sharks were unable to harshly dispatch a totally inexperienced Cheetahs team in what could have been a good exercise in attack and opportunity taking.
Perhaps it was complacency from the Sharks, who chose to turn down a multitude of penalty kicks at goal, even in the first few minutes. Their eagerness to attack the Cheetahs also could have led to the errors as a few too many passes were forced.
Still, the Sharks can bank on the points that they have, and they’ll be aware that there is a lot to work on. They may have played some less than perfect rugby in the first two rounds, but they have not been punished for it.
The remaining games see the Sharks take on minnow side from Nelspruit, the Pumas, at home. Then they take on the Lions at home before heading to the Cape to play Western Province in what should be their most difficult encounter. Finally, it is the Griquas in Kimberly which won’t be a walk in the park.
The Sharks need to show a lot more fire, and a lot more intent, if they are to be the ones lifting the Currie Cup come 27 October. It will have to be considered a disappointing campaign if they are not crowned champions. As things stands, they may be unbeaten, but they do not look like the most threatening side out there.
@DarrynJack216