The club Sharks presented a new identity this week, which includes an updated logo and emblem. Although not everyone has accepted the changes, a well-known club supporter considers them positive.
The club Sharks presented a new identity this week, which includes an updated logo and emblem. Although not everyone has accepted the changes, a well-known club supporter considers them positive.
Sharks supporter Henry Rutherford has supported the team since moving from Pretoria to Durban in 1985 and has held a season ticket since 2013. He and his wife Sandra have been allocated the best seats in the central part of the main stand, on the backs of which their names are proudly engraved.
Rutherford recalls that the Natal team in the 1980s was not strong, playing in the B section of the Currie Cup, and its matches were rarely broadcast on television. He has been a supporter for 41 years and has lost count of the number of games he has attended at Kings Park.
He notes that he is 'part of the furniture' at Kings Park, as players and coaches know him well despite the constant change of faces. Rutherford witnessed the transformation of the Natal team from the 'Banana Boys' to Sharks in 1996, and after three decades, he considers the name change to 'Sharks Rugby Club' a step forward.
Despite some dissatisfied people who do not want to accept the changes, Rutherford is confident that they will quickly get used to the new badge and emblem. He emphasizes that ultimately, the team itself is what matters, and urges continued support for it.
Rutherford expresses enthusiasm for the new Sharkie logo, noting that it resembles the old version but looks fiercer, fitting the team's playing style. He argues that the changes are beneficial and sometimes necessary. Over the years, he has seen the emblem change from an old giraffe image to Sharkie, and now a new version appears (SRC — Sharks Rugby Club).
In Rutherford's opinion, evolutionary processes should be accepted. He believes that personnel changes, and the appearance should change with them, which is an adaptation to modern realities. The main idea is global brand promotion, and he believes that under the guidance of coach JP Pietersen, the team will perform well.
Furthermore, Rutherford prefers the term 'club' over 'franchise', believing the latter sounds cheap, whereas 'club' sounds more professional.
JP Pietersen expresses support for the new attack coach, Scott Matty, believing he can unlock the huge potential in the Sharks' defensive line before the United Rugby Championship (URC) season begins.
Pietersen believes that Scott Matty is the right specialist to implement a 'bold and exciting' style in the Sharks' defensive line, which is rich in young talent. Matty joined the Sharks from Edinburgh Rugby, but he previously achieved success in coaching in the USA. While working with Griquas from 2019 to 2020, he earned the nickname 'The Giant Killer' due to victories over Super Rugby teams.
Pietersen also positively evaluates Matty's international experience as a dynamic midfielder. Before joining the Sharks and Bulls, Matty played for Sale Sharks and Leeds Carnegie. Pietersen noted that Matty has adapted well, saying that 'it feels like he has been here for two or three years.' He added that Matty seems to have 'come home,' recalling how they played together in the Currie Cup in 2006 under Dick Muir's leadership.
Pietersen reported that Matty took over as attack coach after Dave Williams moved to the role of general manager, and that he integrated easily into the team. According to Pietersen, the players like him because he possesses the energy and aura that all attack coaches have.
Pietersen emphasized that Matty's international experience, both as a player and a coach, made him an attractive candidate. He stated the team's desire to think unconventionally in attack, noting that they struggled to win matches in Europe last season. Matty understands how to improve play in such conditions, knowing how European teams operate and how they cope with bad weather.
In Pietersen's opinion, Edinburgh has a good set of skills, being bold and innovative in attack. Matty brought this philosophy to the Sharks, insisting that the team must hold onto the ball longer and challenge the defense. The goal is to be bold and exciting by utilizing the attacking talent of players such as Jurenzo Julius, Zekhethelo Siyaya, Vusi Moyo, and Jaco Williams, encouraging them to move the ball.
Meanwhile, the Sharks XV team announced its squad for the match against Stormers XXIII in the Currie Cup, which will take place on Saturday at 19:00. The starting lineup for Sharks XV includes Luan Gilliomee, Christie Grobbelaar, Marnus Potgieter, Janco Purchase, Lyle Matthews, Tim Swiel, Ross Braude (with captain Thomas Dyer), Danio Botha, Luaan Olivier, Deon Slabbert, Johan Momsen, Simphiwe Ngobese, Bryce Calvert, and Cameron Dawson. Reserves include Liam van Wyk, Phiwayinkosi Kubheka, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Hanu Pieterse, Jean-Henri Smit, Juan Loots, Albie Bester, and Khuthi Rasivhaga.
