Rory Kockott must take comnd of the backline

The second in our series of  ‘Players to watch in the 2009 Curie Cup’ focuses on last years champions, the Sharks. The Sharks have had t dig deep this year to replace a whole host of payers on Springbok duty.

Siting in last place after week one, one has to feel they won’t stay there for much longer.I d think that they are going to struggle a bit whilst their young nwcomers find their feet in the beginning stages of the competition. The Sharks main concern at this stage must be the flyhalf position with 19 year old Guy Cronje just not cutting it in the #10 jumper.

The Sharks are apparently trying to finalise the contract of Argetinian #10, Juan Martin Hernandez. A move I don’t fully understand. I know at the moment they don’t have many options other than to bring in someone with experience. I was chatting about it to a mate of mine today who is quite a well known rugby journo, both here and abroad, let’s call him Sid. Sid, Blogspotrugby’s own ‘Stig’ of sorts, brought up the issue of the lack of decent up and coming flyhalves in South Africa at the moment. Although Juan Martin Hernandez will be great ot watch in the Currie Cup, it leaves the Sharks in the exact same situation next year as they now find themselves in. No one with enough experience to be the Sharks pivot, whilst another youngster gets thrown on the deep end through lack of experience and playing time. I tend to agree. It’s a bit of a catch 22 situation I’m afraid.

Which brings me to my choices of the two Sharks players that, in my opinion, have the opportunity to stand out:

Backs: Rory Kockott

Kockott exploded on the Super 14 scene in 2008. He was perhaps unlucky not to have received the award for the South African player of the tournament. With no established pivot in the current Sharks squad, Kockott has the chance to take comand of the backlin as well as keeping the forward momentum going, something which he does exceptionally. Big shoes to fill perhaps, but I feel Kockott has the ability as well as the mindset to do it. At 1.80m tall and 92kg, Kockott has the size and strength to hold his own.

Forwards: Jean Deysel

Jean Deysel has been knocking on the Springbok door all season. At 1.91m tall and 110kg, Deysel is a powerhouse in the loose. He crosses the gain line regularly with his direct approach. Deysel links well with his backline. His only downfall at times are his handling skills, which aren’t the worst around either. Watch Deysel cross the gainline while bashing his way through opposition defences this season.

Keep an eye out for these two Sharks. Will they be able tocarry this depleated Sharks lineup?