Lions player Madosh Tambwe scores a try during the Super Rugby match between Australia’s New South Wales Waratahs and South Africa’s Golden Lions at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on 20 April, 2018. (Photo by PETER PARKS / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE —
A closer look at the Sharks new signings for the 2020 Super Rugby season
The Sharks are eyeing the 2020 trophy with ome new additions.
Lions player Madosh Tambwe scores a try during the Super Rugby match between Australia’s New South Wales Waratahs and South Africa’s Golden Lions at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on 20 April, 2018. (Photo by PETER PARKS / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE —
The Sharks are over halfway into announcing their nine new signings going into 2020 Super Rugby season. Here’s a closer look at the five players that have been announced.
The Sharks’ coffers had a major boost with the Sale Sharks coming in for the du Preez twins and Akker van der Merwe after Super Rugby.
Five new players to join the sharks
They have splashed some of those funds and signed nine new players. Five of which have already been announced.
Jordan Chait
Jordan Chait is the lesser known of the 5 players, his dad Anton played flyhalf for WP and he naturally went to WP Rugby Institute where he played for the WP juniors, this year he had a prominent role in Maties’ triumph of the Varsity Cup and he impressed enough to get contracted to the Sharks for 2020
It seems he is coming in to fill the void left by Robert du Preez Jr and joins Curwin Bosch and Boeta Chamberlain in the flyhalf ranks in Durban.
Henco Venter
Henco Venter is a big, strong and fast loose forward who had a starring role in the Cheetahs run to Currie Cup glory. The Sharks have snapped up a really good eight-man and he could be one of Super Rugby’s breakthrough players in 2020.
He will have stiff competition in Terra Mtembu for the 8thman berth, young prospect Pepsi Buthelezi can also slot in 8, so Venter won’t have it easy to play in the Sharks starting lineup.
James Venter
Henco’s namesake James Venter returns to the black and white in 2020. He has represented the union as a schoolboy having finished his schooling at Glenwood High School in Durban. The young openside flanker was a promising youngster, but unfortunately found chances in senior rugby hard to come by at the Lions.
The Sharks have lacked a natural openside flanker since the departure of Marcell Coetzee to Ireland and the 23 years fits that bill, he will get lots of opportunities in Durban.
Madosh Tambwe
There is no doubting this youngster’s finishing capabilities, he has pace, a big frame and is prone to finding himself at the right place at the right time. He is a natural out wide. Whether he will be a starter at the Sharks remains to be seen.
He has to contend with Springbok World Cup squad members – Sbu Nkosi and Makazole Mapimpi who seem to be more refined players than the DRC-born Tambwe. He has the physical capabilities, only the top 2 inches need to come to the party.
Sikhumbuzo Notshe
The only capped Springbok of the players announced so far. Sikhumbuzo Notshe’s move across from WP to Sharks is somewhat surprising considering how highly rated he is by incoming Stormers coach John Dobson. Perhaps a guaranteed starting role in his favoured position of 8thman persuaded the 26 year old.
His talent is unquestionable, he needs to find consistency in his game and he might just find himself back in the Springbok setup in 2020 with more senior game time at the Sharks. It could just prove to be the remedy Notshe needs going into 2020.
Whichever way you look at it Sharks look like they mean business next year as they go in search for their maiden Super Rugby title.
