Ackermann makes sensational return
Wed, 07 May 2008 11:04
Back for more: Veterans Johann Ackermann and AJ Venter
Veteran lock Johan Ackermann has been included in the Sharks squad as back-up for Johann Muller for their must-win Super 14 clash against the Cheetahs in Durban on Saturday.
Sharks coach Dick Muir has selected a 25-man squad explaining that, "Brad Barritt, Bismarck du Plessis and Johann Muller are the ones concerning for us and they are the ones we have cover for."
The good news for the Durban franchise is that Steven Sykes is back in training and will undergo a fitness test "but looks good for the weekend."
With there being a fitness cloud hanging over Johann Muller, Johann Ackermann's experience will be vital in the weekend's clash.
"Johann [Muller] probably has a 30 percent chance of playing," Muir confirmed on sharksrugby.co.za.
"Ackers [Johan Ackermann] played club rugby in Cape Town this past weekend for Hamiltons against Maties.
"The company he now works for, Kepu Petroleum, have been generous enough to allow him to return to play for us, even though he’s semi-retired. Thanks to them we can use him on an ad hoc basis if needed until the end of the tournament," added Muir.
The Sharks lack of tries has been a talking point all season, with Muir admitted his team had not played to their potential.
"If you look at the competition, no backline has really fired consistently. In our case, we have shuffled the backline, but that's no excuse why we haven't performed to our fullest," he said.
Asked about Ruan Pienaar who has found himself at flyhalf following Frederic Michalak's untimely departure back to France with a knee injury, Muir said that, "He has proved what a talent he is, he's a really versatile player.
"He's fitting into the flyhalf role very well and when you have the misfortune like Fred's [Michalak] injury, this is a positive.
"From an SA Rugby perspective, it's a great opportunity for someone as versatile as Ruan to play in that position. He has a massive amount of balance and great feel for the game," concluded Muir.
Sharks Squad:
Forwards: Beast Mtawarira, Deon Carstens, Craig Burden, Bismarck du Plessis, BJ Botha, Jannie du Plessis, Johann Muller, Albert van den Berg, Steven Sykes, Johan Ackermann, Jacques Botes, Keegan Daniel, AJ Venter, Jean Deysel, Ryan Kankowski
Backs: Rory Kockott, Ruan Pienaar, JP Pietersen, Waylon Murray, Bradley Barritt, Adi Jacobs, Francois Steyn, Odwa Ndungane, Henno Mentz, Stefan Terblanche.
