It's black and white for Sharks
Sharks skipper is relishing the opportunity to play in the traditional Black and White strip of the Durban franchise, when he leads them against the Force on Friday.
Sharks skipper is relishing the opportunity to play in the traditional Black and White strip of the Durban franchise, when he leads them against the Force on Friday.
Muller, who took over the captaincy from Bok team leader John Smit, will earn his 50th Super Rugby cap against the Force on Friday.
“I'm very excited,” the Springbok lock told sharksrugby.co.za.
“It's time now, it's been three months of very hard work in the off-season and the guys are really keen.
“Everything is going according to plan, we just need to go out there and play,” he said.
The fact that the Sharks will be playing in their new Super 14 jersey, going back to the traditional black and white, is something that will please the purists – not to mention Muller.
“I grew up knowing the Sharks colours as Black and White and it's great to be going back to the old traditional colours,” admits the captain.
“The new jerseys also have the same design as the Springboks had in the World Cup which has got the players very excited.
“We got fitted out on Wednesday, it's a tight fit and the props aren't too thrilled about that,” he quipped.
He says that it is a great responsibility to lead the Durban franchise, something he “really enjoys”.
“I am blessed to be playing in my 50th game in the Super 14 for the Sharks,” Muller added.
The Force will be smarting over the recent controversy involving Matt Henjak, and will be tough opponents for Muller and his team.
The Sharks came unstuck last year, losing 22-12, so complacency will not be an issue for the men from Durban.
The Force may be Australia's newest franchise, but under astute coach, former All Black coach John Mitchell, and a squad of amongst the best players in the country, the Force are not to be dismissed at any price.
“Last year they gave us a bit of a hiding upfront,” admits Muller, “and their forwards were outstanding in the whole Super 14.
“When we played them, we came off second best.
“The are by far the best Australian outfit,” he said.
“A very balanced side and we will have to play very well to beat them.”
Muller was full of praise for his lock partner, veteran Johan Ackermann.
“It is fantastic having him here.
We have lost John, Monty, Butch, and you can't buy that experience, so it's great to have a guy like Ackies next to me, with plenty of Super 14 experience.
“It's also great for me as captain to have a senior guy like that to calm things down. He's an unbelievable player, 10 years older than me but runs around like a spring chicken. I look up to him, he's been a great inspiration for us here at the Sharks,” Muller said.