Sharks defend their territory
Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:31
The Sharks are well on their way to securing their second successive Super 14 home semifinal after remaining unbeaten after nine rounds of the 2008 edition of the Southern Hemisphere's most gruelling competition.
The Sharks, along with the Crusaders, are the only unbeaten team in the Super 14 to date, with the Sharks draw against the Hurricanes being their only blemish thus far.
They second-placed Sharks are five points ahead of the third-placed Hurricanes, and are seven points adrift of the table-topping Crusaders.
Last year the Sharks finished top of the log and secured a home Final, the final result being heartbreak for all Sharks fans.
So far, they have accumulated 31 points from their eight this year - a very impressive return. But lets take a look at how that compares to their record at this stage last year.
At the same stage last year the Durban-based franchise had amassed 25 points from their eight games.
They had already lost two matches, to the Brumbies and Western Force, and were in fourth position after Round Nine.
There are a few glaring similarities between Johan Muller's team and John Smit's men of 2007.
The Sharks have struggled to score tries this season, and have copped their fair share of criticism for this.
They have only one bonus point for scoring four tries or more, but this time last year they also only had one bonus point, and still managed to top the log.
They have a proud defensive record this year, and are second only to the Crusaders with regards to points conceded. After Round Nine in 2007 they were third in the defensive stakes.
Amazingly the try-scoring records of the two campaigns are identical - 16 tries scored and nine conceded. Those Sharks fans who believe in fate will be hoping for a different ending this time around!
From these two observations it's clear to see that the Sharks strength lies in their defence. They are a hard nut to crack and have shown this year that they can win 'ugly'.
That's not to say that they can't play expansive rugby. Conditions have conspired against them this year, and this has made it tough to give the ball some air. But with players like Frans Steyn, JP Pietersen, Frederic Michalak and Waylon Murray in their ranks, they have plenty of firepower if need be!
This year the Sharks have scored 150 points, compared to last year's 168, but have only conceded 100 - 25 less that last year's 125 at this stage of the competition.
The Sharks have another three games on the road before finishing the round-robin campaign with two games in Durban.
With five matches left to play the Sharks have their home semifinal destiny in their own hands. If they want to go one better than last year, securing a semifinal in Durban is paramount.
By Steve Farrell
