The Sharks' search for a solution to their attacking woes continues, with former Springboks players offering their insights and opinions. The latest name to be linked with a move to Durban is James O'Connor, but the consensus among the rugby greats is that he is not the answer.
Jean de Villiers, a former Springboks captain, believes that while O'Connor will undoubtedly make a difference, his presence for just one season is not the long-term solution the Sharks need. De Villiers advocates for a more patient approach, focusing on developing young talent and establishing a consistent attacking identity.
"The Sharks need to change their approach," de Villiers stated. "They should give their youngsters more opportunities, as O'Connor will only be there for a short time. A long-term strategy is essential, involving the development of young players and refining their systems."
Hanyani Shimange, a former Stormers and Springboks hooker, supports this view, highlighting the presence of highly-rated youngster Vusi Moyo and other young talent within the Sharks' squad. Shimange suggests that the team should prioritize their attacking identity and structures before considering O'Connor's potential addition.
"The Sharks have a good group of young players, including Moyo, Hendrikse, Masuku, Chamberlain, and Bosch," Shimange noted. "O'Connor is a quality player, but there are other areas they need to address before bringing him in."
Both de Villiers and Schalk Burger, a former Springboks flanker, emphasize the need for consistency in selection and a clear attacking strategy. They argue that the Sharks have struggled to find a stable fly-half, with too many players coming and going over the years. Burger specifically mentions the importance of an attacking threat at the number 10 position, citing examples from other teams in Europe and South Africa.
"The Sharks' attacking shape needs significant improvement," Burger said. "O'Connor may not be the primary attacking threat they seek. The best sides in Europe and South Africa have a number 10 who can go to the line. Teams like Sacha and Bordeaux, with Jalibert, showcase the style of player the Sharks need."
In summary, the former Springboks players collectively advise the Sharks to take a more patient and strategic approach to their attacking issues. They believe that focusing on developing young talent and establishing a consistent playing style will yield better results than a short-term fix with a veteran player like O'Connor.
