Former Springboks Schalk Burger and Jean de Villiers didn’t pull their punches following another lukewarm Vodacom URC campaign by the Sharks.
The Durban side have no chance of making the top 8 regardless of what happens in their remaining home games against Benetton and Zebre. That despite boasting one of the most star-studded squads in the competition.
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Speaking on the Boks Unpacked x The Verdict podcast, Burger said the Sharks had nobody but themselves to blame after failing to secure a top-eight finish.
“They’ve only got themselves to blame,” Burger said.
“If they got away with five points on tour – a win and a losing bonus point – and then play Zebre and Benetton at home, there’s a good chance they would still qualify for the top eight.”
Burger said the Sharks’ latest collapse had become part of a worrying pattern in the URC era.
“It seems to be the trend of every URC. As soon as we get to the back end of the season, we’re talking Sharks,” he said.
“With that squad, it’s another disappointing season.
“Things will have to change because it can’t keep going on this way.”
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The Sharks’ failure has sparked major frustration given the calibre of international talent within the squad, which includes several Springboks.
De Villiers said the team’s poor discipline and inability to convert pressure into points ultimately proved fatal.
“I feel with the Sharks, game management discipline and also discipline in terms of conceding penalties and yellow cards, has just been frustrating to watch,” De Villiers said.
“It seems like they play their best rugby between the 22s and as soon as they get into the opposition 22, they can’t do anything.”
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De Villiers described the Sharks’ season as a massive underachievement.
“Extremely disappointing to see a stacked side like that not progress to the top eight.”
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
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