Sharks hope for bad boys' retribution

 

Captain Bismarck Du Plessis has officially served out his four-week ban as of April 18. His final game of the suspension was against the Bulls last Saturday.

 

Du Plessis will be available for the first game against the Highlanders in a fortnight, after the Sharks bye this week.

 

Centre Frans Steyn's ban comes to an end on May 3, which would mean that the Springbok would be unavailable for the first tour match.

 

Coach Gold, looking ahead to their tour after a loss to the Bulls on the weekend, was hopeful that the return of his two super stars would allow them a chance to right the wrongs they have caused the team.

 

"I certainly hope that it will be a shot at redemption for those guys coming back," Gold said of both Du Plessis and Steyn.

 

"Those guys who got the cards, they owe us – and that is coming from them, not me."

 

Gold is hopeful that the two big-name players will live up to their potential and give the Sharks something extra, something that has been missing for most of the season.

 

"I am looking forward to seeing how they go," Gold added.

 

"Hopefully they elevate us and help us become even better."

 

Gold was also quizzed about returning Du Plessis to the position of captain, after the hooker took much abuse for being a dirty player following his red card.

 

"We still need to have those conversations," Gold said without giving much away.

 

"We are not under pressure to make those decision just yet, because obviously we have a bye.

 

"But we will sit down next week and have a look at the make up of the squad.

 

"We have a couple guys coming back – not only Bismarck, it is Paul Jordaan, Stephan Lewis (who played in the Vodacom Cup on Saturday) and Frans Steyn will be back when we are on tour.

 

"We need to look at all the permutations."

 

Gold seemed less concerned with the public's opinion of Du Plessis being at the helm, and more focused on what is good for the entire Sharks squad.

 

I have not really though if there would be an outcry if Bismarck was named captain again," Gold added.

 

"I just have to think what is the best thing for the Sharks – and we will have to have a conversations about that."