Sharks coach sends ominous warning to other SA teams

SPOTLIGHT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt had some ominous words for South Africa’s other teams ahead of the upcoming domestic competition.

The Sharks were sitting at the top of the overall Super Rugby standings back in March before the season was stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With six wins from their seven games, Everitt’s side was in form and looked well on their way to mounting a serious challenge for the title.

All that is in the past now as SA Rugby revealed its plan reignite an exciting four-month local season after months without rugby.

The Sharks squad is almost entirely intact from the one which led Super Rugby at the time of its premature halt and that should make them favourites heading into this revamped season.

And Everitt believes his team’s best performance is still to come, which does not bode well for their opposition in the coming weeks.

#OurSharks flank James Venter shares his thoughts on the last 2 week of contact training ahead of their first friendly.#OurSharksForever pic.twitter.com/EiodlDYtAW

— The Sharks (@TheSharksZA) September 17, 2020

“Post Super Rugby we identified that there was quite a lot to work on the existing model that we had after seven matches. We hope that since then, we would have improved in those areas,” said Everitt.

“A lot of work has taken place, although we would like to keep on the same path.

“We want to improve each week; we are in a growth curve – although we did well in Super Rugby – we will never be satisfied until we play that perfect game.”

Before the domestic competition starts on October 10, the Sharks will face the Bull at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria which is part of SA’s Rugby’s “Super Fan Saturday” double-header on September 26.

“It’s exciting to get back into our normal rugby routine, although we are sticking to strict health protocols and the players understand that responsibility so that we can avoid a crisis,” Everitt added.

“We’re looking forward to getting onto the field and the players realise that there is rugby happening very soon and their willingness to learn on the field has stepped up. So too the intensity in training with regards to contact.

“We’re back into full swing of things and the guys are excited and motivated to do well for the Sharks again.”

Source: @TheSharksZA

Power session💪#OurSharksForever pic.twitter.com/VtOAxnwKqM

— The Sharks (@TheSharksZA) September 16, 2020