Sharks banking on Super Rugby experience

The Durban-based team will be able to call on the majority of their squad that did duty in this year's Super Rugby campaign and Daniel believes it will give them a big advantage during the Currie Cup.  

"The amount of Super Rugby experience in this group is phenomenal," said Daniel. "In the past we probably lost 10-12 guys to the Boks and we kind of had to start with a new team. 

"We got a more settled team this time around and we have worked with Robert [du Preez] for the past six months and the guys know his coaching style."

Daniel added: "The coaching staff is pretty much the same – Gary is in more of a Director of Rugby role, facilitating rugby throughout the union and Rob [Robert du Preez] is stepping up to head coach. 

"He [Du Preez] has had the opportunity to implement a few things and his style of coaching and we got a very short period of time together. Fortunately, this is quite an experienced group, who have played Super rugby together, so there are not too many changes."

Daniel said they are expecting the Pumas to test them physically in Nelspruit on Friday.

"They [Pumas] are a good outfit. 

"There is a reason why they are in the Premier Division. They are a team that has been really consistent – they had a long qualifying tournament together. 

"We are expecting them to be exceptionally physical and the guys experienced that last year," said Daniel.

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