'We have the squad to do it'
LISTEN as new Sharks captain Louis Schreuder speaks about his ambitions and goals for the 2019 Super Rugby season.
Schreuder, who says the captaincy ‘comes naturally’, is unambivalent about his belief that the Currie Cup champions have the ability to go all the way this year.
Apart from the confidence of having won South Africa’s premier domestic competition, there is a settled look about the Sharks this year.
The most significant losses in the off-season were Ross Geldenhuys (to Bay of Plenty), Franco Marais (to Gloucester) and Stephan Lewies (to Lions).
And in those positions they have adequate cover – with Springboks Thomas du Toit and Coenie Oosthuizen in the front row, Boks Armand van der Merwe and Mahlatse Ralepelle at hooker, as well as a second row with the likes of Hyron Andrews, Ruan Botha and import Ruben van Heerden from the Bulls.
In fact, they have tremendous depth throughout the squad.
Schreuder admitted losing in the quarterfinals in 2018 was a ‘let-down’.
“We don’t want our campaign to end in the quarterfinals,” he told a media briefing in Durban.
“Playing the Crusaders away [losing 10-40] in the quarters last year was a tall order for our young side, but this year we want to go further.
“I believe we have the squad and team to do it.”
The skipper said the Sharks will ‘entertain’ their fans with the quality of their game.
“Our approach is the same as last year, that’s the brand of rugby we want to play,” he said.
“We want to play exciting rugby for the fans and the public and we’re working very hard.
“The weather here in Durban doesn’t make it any easier, but we are focussed on getting as fit as possible to be ready for the season when it kicks off.”
And taking the momentum from their 2018 Currie Cup win into Super Rugby is part of the grand scheme.
“Lwazi [Mvovo] and I were the oldest guys in the team, so we are a young squad and we are learning.
“But it’s important for a young team to taste success.
“Winning away from home [at Newlands in the Currie Cup Final] was especially satisfying.
“We were the underdogs and it was a fairy-tale ending to the season.
“The guys have taken a lot of confidence from that and hopefully grown too.
“Now we look forward to taking that momentum into Super Rugby.”
Speaking about the captaincy he said it was a massive honour and privilege.
“I had a very enjoyable stint sharing the role with Chiliboy [Ralepelle] in the latter part of last year’s Currie Cup and now I look forward to sharing with Beast [Tendai Mtawarira] this year.
“I’m very excited about the challenge that lies ahead and obviously very excited to be named captain of this franchise.”
He said the captaincy would not impact on his personal game.
“I don’t think it will cause any problems for me,” Schreuder said, adding: “I have been in leadership roles in the past so it’s something that comes naturally for me.
“I’m very comfortable in this role, I don’t think there is anything to worry about.
“We also have a good leadership group in the squad and plenty of experience to count on, guys like Beast and Chilly and Lwazi, they will help a lot.”
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