philb87 says...

Could be a stroke of genius or could backfire badly.

I'm not sure how much the props will enjoy lifting Alberts in the lineout and that could make the Sharks far more predictable in that area.

It certainly solves the problem of the backrow for now though. Four doesn't fit into three after all. Sharks will have some powerful runners on display that's for sure.

Posted 09:29 19th July 2012

bokbevok says...

Sharks to destroy reds scrum, gain line breaks in beast, bismark, Alberts and the obvious smashing them in the tackle area.

Once sharks get momentum it will be game over for reds

Posted 08:31 19th July 2012

georgesmith says...

Sharks being wary of Reds loose men that's why they employing extra men. L. Gill and B. Robinson wil destroy Sharks at the breakdowns. A.W. Harrison wil monster the line-outs. Reds by 10points.

Posted 22:57 18th July 2012

SACanuck says...

This just maybe a stroke of genius. Just hope the Sharks can shut down Genia. If so they can win this game. As always it depends on which Sharks team runs onto the pitch, the overconfident or the hungry. Hope the latter.

Posted 20:53 18th July 2012

JayStarr says...

I really think the Sharks have a good chance of winning this one. Losing Steyn is not ideal, but he's only played a couple of games - and the Sharks played well and beat the Stormers without him. Tim Whitehead has been very good this season anyway. Losing Lambie is more of a blow, but Michelak has found form towards the end of the season - and the Reds are going to be without Mr. Cooper - so not the end of the world either. And then you look at the forwards - the Springbok front row, with Coetzee, Daniel and Kankowski all in serious form... and then Alberts coming in as well!

No, if the Sharks can put pressure on the Reds at the set pieces and the rucks, and make Genia go backwards, they will win.

Posted 17:30 18th July 2012

ZAChris says...

The Sharks are at least in with a chance here but I just hope that they play with the intensity they had against the Bulls a few weeks ago. My biggest concern is the huge gap left by Steyn in midfield. We really don't know if Whitehead and Jordaan are up to it although Whitehead has shown lots of promise I do not know much about Jordaan. Such a pity not having Lambie around as he is pure class. The Reds are rather irritatingly riding their luck and full of confidence but hopefully beatable with the lack of the Genia/Cooper magic factor this week . I am not concerned about the pack at all and expect them to at very least get parity but hopefully bully the Reds pack around the park a bit.

This one should be a huge tussle - Go Sharkies !!! Go all the way.

Posted 15:21 18th July 2012

Herbman says...

@rugby_rockstar, can you explain what you mean by playing league?

Posted 13:08 18th July 2012