Sharks happy with Super 14 programme

Sharks coach Dick Muir says that having a successful tour of the antipodes in the Super 14 is all about the correct mindset.

The Sharks have been dealt a long and arduous tour of five weeks where they will be split between New Zealand and Australia next year, but the eternally optimistic Muir believes his squad is more than capable of handling the pressures of the 2008 competition.

"We don't want to project a negative image in any way and we are positive about the draw," he said.

"I'm happy that the team can perform, but we will miss some experience with many of our senior players moving on. We will have quite a youthful group and a bit of inexperience, but we do have more than capable players."

Some of the Sharks stalwarts moving on to play club rugby overseas include John Smit (Clermont), Butch James (Bath), Warren Britz (Montpellier), Percy Montgomery and Bob Skinstad (both to Perpignan) while veteran Johann Ackermann has retired from the game at 37.

But, for all those players the Sharks have a burgeoning crop of young talent bubbling under, with the likes of Bismarck du Plessis, Frans Steyn and Keegan Daniel, ready to come through, while Jannie du Plessis and French international Frederic Michalak will be imported to bolster the coastal franchise's squad.

The key to a successful tour, is to enjoy it says Muir.

"At the Sharks we love touring," he said.

"We've been successful over the years because we prepare a tour that the guys will enjoy. It's important to take some time out and enjoy the countries you visit."

Out of all the South African franchises the Bulls, who are the reigning champions, have the best draw spending just four weeks in Australasia.

Last year the Sharks won two of their four games away from home against the bottom of the log Reds and eventual semi-finalists the Blues.

In 2008 the Sharks will have to front up to the Hurricanes (April 5), Highlanders (April 11), Brumbies (April 19), Waratahs (April 26) and Crusaders (May 2).

The Sharks open their campaign at home in Durban on Friday night (7.10pm) February 15 against Western Force.