The Sharks XV squad has undergone significant changes ahead of the fourth and final away match of Round One of the Currie Cup. On Friday, the team will travel to Kimberley to play against Griquas in the fifth round.
The Sharks XV squad has undergone significant changes ahead of the fourth and final away match of Round One of the Currie Cup. On Friday, the team will travel to Kimberley to play against Griquas in the fifth round.
The week proved to be intense for the Sharks, as following the Currie Cup match against Boland last Saturday, the All Blacks visited Kings Park just three days later. This tight schedule exhausted the resources of the Shark Tank players, presenting coach Mike Wools with a complex task of managing workloads and balancing the squad.
Wools noted that due to the quick return journey on Friday, the team will face a rapid change in pace and numerous variables this week. He added that they will prepare well by focusing on the recovery of injured players to be fully ready for the 80-minute battle.
Sharks will gain momentum after their 19-12 victory over Boland in KwaMashu, and Wools believes this result laid a solid foundation for the trip to the Northern Cape. The coach emphasized that the team had a very good preparatory week and intends to utilize the confidence gained from the win against Boland.
He also expressed excitement about the opportunity to play against Griquas at their home ground. Although he knows Griquas is a strong team and playing in Kimberley is always difficult, the team has prepared well for this confrontation and is confident in its ability to continue the success of the previous week.
Nevertheless, Wools had to make several changes to the lineup that impressed during the match against Boland. This is partly because some Currie Cup players were able to participate in the Sharks versus All Blacks match on Tuesday evening.
Wools mentioned that the URC squad played against the All Blacks on Tuesday, and they were fortunate that some Currie Cup players were included in that match day. He highly praised the efforts of these players and stated that their ability to represent the club at such a level is a great indicator of the standard of the Currie Cup competition.
Rambo Kubheka and Simphiwe Ngobese, who participated in the match against New Zealand, are moving to the bench, while Jaco du Toit and Li-Marvin Mazibuko are promoted to the starting XV.
Among the players resting before the upcoming Currie Cup fixtures is Zekethelo Siyaya from Sharks. There was also a reshuffle in the low forward ranks following Thomas Dyer's rib injury. Vasi Vyambrea starts at position No. 7, Tino Mavesere moves to the open flank, and Hanu Peters changes position to No. 8.
In the backline, Albi Bester starts his first Currie Cup of the season at inside centre, while Yanco Perches moves to the bench. Jacques Marais takes a spot on the bench as hooker instead of the injured Curran van Vuuren, and Danio Bota replaces Willem van den Heever, who sustained a head injury in the match against Boland.
Currently, Sharks XV ranks seventh in the Currie Cup table, having secured two wins and suffered two losses in four matches played.
Shaun Bryans, CEO of the Sharks, detailed in an interview the influence of the SharksFest event and the new brands with which the club has entered into partnership agreements.
Bryans noted that the Sharks have always offered fans more than just a rugby game. He emphasized the significance of SharksFest, stating that at Hollywoodbets Kings Park stadium, The Sharks' history is traditionally associated with fan parties and picnics.
However, according to him, before the Covid-19 pandemic, around 2021, there was a gradual decline in fan interest in attending matches live at the stadium.
Bryans explained that part of this trend is the development of technology, which increases competition for people's leisure time on Saturdays, as well as the availability of many other forms of entertainment. Furthermore, some people prefer watching rugby at home. This prompted the management to consider ways to encourage fans to return to live matches.
He added that the global trend is towards live events, including live music, and after the pandemic, people seek this experience and want to feel part of a community.
Bryans clarified that SharksFest, which includes music, allowed the club to attract a younger audience while maintaining the loyalty of older fans. The goal was to attract a new public because it is an attractive product, and in the context of the Springboks' global success, the club wanted to leverage this sporting achievement. Attracting youth to matches required creating a more festive atmosphere and ensuring a safe environment.
Bryans also noted that although they are a rugby club, thanks to SharksFest, they have become a major event organizer. They had to change their operational model. The club sees huge interest in its big games, especially the derby against the Stormers, The Bulls, and The Lions. They adapt their offerings based on anticipated fan interest, and many factors are involved in this equation.
The biggest match of the year is SharksFest, held around December 19th or 20th, coinciding with school holidays. Last year, the SharksFest match was against the Bulls in December, and many Pretoria residents were on vacation in KZN.
Bryans reported that the goal of last year's SharksFest match was similar to a test match, and they managed to sell out all tickets for the Sharks game. This was the first time since 2013 that the stadium was completely full for a Sharks game. Holding such large matches creates jobs in security and cleaning. There is also significant support for small local businesses, as several small catering services provide food and beverage services, which is an important aspect. From a tourism perspective, the event promotes Durban and KZN.
On Thursday, the Sharks announced a rebranding under the name Black, White Forever, and also presented new emblems.
As Bryans added, three things are important for a rugby franchise. First is ticket sales, season tickets, and suite rentals, so people come to the games. Second is the contribution received from South Africa for participating in competitions. Third, and most important, is revenue from partnerships or sponsorships. Although last season on the field was not the best, the club had a great off-field season, and it is good that partners believe in the club's long-term plans.
Bryans expressed enthusiasm about Volkswagen joining as the automotive partner. He noted that it is a great brand, and despite fierce competition among car companies in South Africa, he hopes this partnership will be beneficial for Volkswagen by helping to build a connection with KZN residents.
In conclusion, Bryans shared his delight at Reebok returning as a partner. He pointed out that one area they want to improve in business is merchandising. In the world's top sports clubs, merchandising can account for 20 percent of revenue, but Sharks merchandise revenue has not shown the best results. Now they have a five-year contract with Reebok, and they look forward to new and interesting products.
Following a week of significant changes in Shark Tank, the Sharks team held its Carlin Cup tournament in the center of KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday evening, hosting the Boland team at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu. This match served as a fitting conclusion to a week when Sharks unveiled a new, bold identity, and this will not be the last time the Carlin Cup team travels to new communities in the province.
The game was played before an enthusiastic crowd; stadium entry was free, and the stands were filled with fan songs and barbecue smoke. Home fans also had reason to celebrate as Sharks defeated Boland with a score of 19:12, climbing in the Carlin Cup standings.
The trip to KwaMashu is part of Sharks' commitment to expanding rugby reach beyond the traditional arena at Kings Park and ensuring the team's accessibility to new communities across KwaZulu-Natal. This community initiative coincided with the organization's completion of an important week, during which it introduced an ambitious rebranding on Thursday.
Sharks adopted a fresh image, including a new logo and emblem, as part of a major overhaul aimed at modernizing the brand amid growing competition from leading European clubs in the Champions Cup and United Rugby Championship. These European giants are clubs, not franchises, provinces, or unions, and Sharks has now followed suit. The organization will be known as Sharks Rugby Club (SRC).
The rebranding includes two distinct visual styles. The SRC logo will serve as the club's corporate identity and will be placed on the chest of the playing jersey, while the iconic Sharkie emblem has been updated with a fiercer look.
Sharks owner, Marco Massotti, who grew up in Amanzimtoti on the southern coast of KwaZulu-Natal, stated that the changes are aimed at preparing the organization for the future without losing connection to the past. He emphasized: 'Sharks have never been a club that waits for the game around it to change. We have always believed in helping shape where rugby goes next.'
Massotti insists that this latest development is not a rejection of Sharks' history but a continuation of it. He noted: 'Professional sport has changed. Today, the clubs that thrive are those that are strong not only on the field. They are strong brands that develop communities, attract partners, and create experiences that fans want to be a part of.'
The visit to KwaMashu on Saturday evening served as a reminder that Sharks' future is tied not only to participation in major European competitions but also to bringing the team to the residents of KwaZulu-Natal.
Despite mixed results in the opening rounds of the Currie Cup, Sharks coach Mike Wools believes his young squad has laid a solid foundation as they return home for a match in KwaMashu.
After a challenging initial phase, which included three consecutive away games, the Sharks will finally enjoy the comfort of home this weekend while introducing the Currie Cup to a new audience.
The Sharks team will host the Boland Cavaliers at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu on Saturday (kick-off at 17:15), hoping that the support of the dedicated Durban public will help them build on an encouraging start to the competition.
The Durban side began its campaign with a victory over the Pumas in Mbombela, but subsequently suffered narrow defeats to the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein and the Stormers XXIII in Cape Town.
Meanwhile, Boland secured convincing home wins in their first two matches before losing to the visitors, the Pumas, by a score of 20-15 last weekend.
Despite the varied results, Sharks coach Mike Wools is confident that his young lineup has built a strong base.
Wools stated: 'We obviously started the competition tough with three away games. However, I feel we were massively competitive in all three of those trips, creating many opportunities.' He continued: 'As a result, the squad has gained confidence. A real connection and cohesion is starting to form, so we take a lot of positive takeaways from the start and remain very optimistic about the remainder of the Currie Cup.'
Wools anticipates a tough test from the well-prepared Boland side, coached by former Cheetahs mentor Howes Fourie, who will demand an immediate response following last week's defeat.
The coach noted: 'This is a very mature team, a collective that has played together a lot, and prides itself on its pace and physical strength.' He added: 'We must be able to match that, and more importantly, we must be brave, stick to our DNA, and play the kind of rugby that excites, which is physical and relentless.'
The Sharks coach also believes that playing in KwaMashu will provide an emotional boost to his team. 'The fact that we are playing in KwaMashu excites the group. Bringing rugby back into the community and feeling their love and support for the Sharks will be huge for us.'
Wools made several changes to his starting lineup. In the front row, Fivayinkosi 'Rambo' Kubeka replaced Cameron Dawson at left prop. Johan Momsen moved from lock to left flank instead of Dion Botty, and Meno Barnard became a partner to Dion Slabbert in the second row. Willem van den Heever took the open flank spot, and Tinitonda Mavesere replaced rested Thomas Dyer at number 8. Ross Broad will lead the team from the halfback position.
In the backline, Junior Springbok Kuthi Rasikhwaga received his first start at left wing after debuting on the bench in Cape Town last weekend. Lyle Matthews moved to outside centre instead of Marnus Potgieter.
