The Sharks’ Vodacom URC campaign hangs in the balance after Highveld setbacks and demands an immediate response in Durban, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane says the Sharks cannot afford another slip after taking “two steps forward and a big one backwards” in the South African derbies, with their playoff push at risk if they fail to beat Munster at home.
Back-to-back wins over the Stormers in Cape Town and Durban reignited belief, but a loss to the Lions at Ellis Park and a heavy defeat to the Bulls in Pretoria exposed how fragile that revival remains.
Another loss would dent more than just their log position. It would test the early momentum under JP Pietersen following his confirmation as head coach.
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The timing, however, offers opportunity. Munster arrive without several key Irish internationals after the Six Nations, while the Sharks have the muscle to dominate.
The midfield pairing of André Esterhuizen and Ethan Hooker carries the edge. Esterhuizen has been the most imposing No 12 in the league, while Hooker continues to grow in influence across multiple positions.
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Keohane is blunt about expectation.
“Any team with this luxury should not be basement dwellers in the league.”
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Across the round, all four South African sides play at home in a rare alignment in the fragmented URC calendar.
The Bulls, Lions and Stormers are also under pressure to deliver, but it is the Sharks who face the most immediate consequence.
This weekend is not about promise. It is about proof.
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
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