The Durbanites will be desperate to meet expectations in 2019, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

Immediately after the Sharks completed an upset win over Western Province in Cape Town to clinch the 2018 Currie Cup title, coach Robert du Preez attempted to contextualise what this result would mean for the union.

‘We have to keep building on this, but I really believe we have the squad to be a force to be reckoned with in Super Rugby in 2019,’ Du Preez said.

It’s not the first time the Sharks will head into a Super Rugby campaign with high expectations that they can compete at the business end of the season. While certainly no strangers to the playoff phase, they remain in the hunt for a first Super Rugby title.

The Sharks provided glimpses of their potential in 2018 as they thrashed the Blues in Auckland and claimed an impressive win over the Highlanders at Kings Park, but they were ultimately haunted by inconsistency.

Despite sneaking into the knockout stage once again, the Durban-based side slipped to a seemingly inevitable 40-10 quarter-final defeat to eventual champions, the Crusaders, in Christchurch. What will the Sharks have to offer in 2019?

For one, they will head into action with a settled squad, and with the potential to field virtually an all-Springbok backline when at full strength. While the Sharks have so often relied on traditional strengths such as a powerful pack, strong defence and prolific kicking game, they should look to offer a bigger threat with ball in hand.

The Sharks launch their campaign with a clash against the Sunwolves in Singapore, but six out of their next eight games will be played at home, providing them an ideal opportunity for a strong start.

FORWARD TO WATCH

Akker van der Merwe will head into the 2019 season with a point to prove. The explosive hooker featured in three Tests for the Boks last June, but then fell by the wayside. However, the 27-year-old sent out a stark reminder of his class when he produced a couple of standout performances during the 2018 Currie Cup playoffs. He will be more determined than ever to make the Sharks’ No 2 jersey his own and force his way back into Bok reckoning before the World Cup. While Van der Merwe is renowned for his mobility and robust ball carrying, it’s in his primary role at the set pieces where he will be looking to establish real consistency. The former Lions hooker may face some competition from Chiliboy Ralepelle for a starting berth, but all the signs point to what should be a big year for Van der Merwe.

BACK TO WATCH

S’bu Nkosi enjoyed an unforgettable 2018, the highlight which was a dream Test debut back in June when he scored two tries as the Springboks claimed a memorable 42-39 comeback victory over England at Ellis Park. The talented 23-year-old remained on the right wing for the next two matches, but on his return to Super Rugby he suffered an unfortunate ankle injury that ruled him out of action for nearly two months. Nevertheless, Nkosi finished the year with three more starts for the Boks on the right wing, and will be looking to carry that momentum into the 2019 season. The youngster has established himself as one of the most influential wings in South African rugby, with his strength in contact and on defence setting him apart, while he has made improvements to his aerial game.

BIG SIGNING

The Sharks have recruited talented youngster Ruben van Heerden from the Bulls. The former Junior Springbok will add important depth to the Sharks’ second-row ranks.

BIG LOSS

Burly hooker Franco Marais started eight games in last year’s tournament, but has since moved to English club Gloucester. His experience will be missed when it comes to the backup depth in this position.

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PREVIOUS LOG FINISHES

1996: 4th (finalists)
1997: 4th (semi-finalists)
1998: 3rd (semi-finalists)
1999: 7th
2000: 12th
2001: 2nd (finalists)
2002: 10th
2003: 11th
2004: 7th
2005: 12th
2006: 5th
2007: 1st (finalists)
2008: 3rd (semi-finalists)
2009: 6th
2010: 9th
2011: 6th (qualifier playoff)
2012: 6th (finalists)
2013: 8th
2014: 3rd (semi-finalists)
2015: 11th
2016: 8th (quarter-finalists)
2017: 8th (quarter-finalists)
2018: 8th (quarter-finalists)

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2019 FIXTURES

16 February: Sunwolves (a)
23 February: Blues (h)
2 March: Stormers (h)
9 March: Bulls (a)
15-16 March: BYE
23 March: Rebels (h)
30 March: Bulls (h)
5 April: Lions (a)
13 April: Jaguares (h)
19 April: Reds (h)
27 April: Waratahs (a)
3 May: Crusaders (a)
11 May: Chiefs (a)
17-18 May: BYE
25 May: Lions (h)
1 June: Hurricanes (h)
8 June: Jaguares (a)
15 June: Stormers (a)