And yes, semi is intended both ways. While most will agree the Sharks season is a bust, there is no reason to write them off just yet.
41 points was all that the Crusaders required for a 4th place finish in last year’s edition of the competition.
41 points also saw the Hurricanes through in 2008.
The magic number was 42 for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in 2007. In 2006 the Bulls needed just 38 points.
The Sharks sit on 4 points, with 8 games in hand.
That means they need at least 37 points from their remaining games – that’s 8 wins, 5 with a bonus point. Thinking back to last year, the Sharks had an unbeaten 7 game streak before collapsing.
Perhaps this year, they’re doing it in reverse.
So, all you Sharks fans and players, don’t give up just yet! Just 8 more wins and you’ll be back where you belong, joining the Bulls, Stormers and Crusaders in the semis.
They’ll kick on with a big win over the Highlanders this week, rising one spot in the log, and move on from there.
Vuyani
Guest
haha, i bet all you guys that doubted the sharks are starting to think otherwise now huh.suddenly Kynang could be right...n he will b right...Canes...tuff luck...4th straight defeats. sharks...they have started their rise.n playing home against the Red this week. even though the reds do look dangerous. i'd say thats 5 points in the bag for the sharks. GO BOYS!!!!!
mudskipper
Guest
7 more wins, who they got this week the Canes at Wellington?... Sleepless sharks fans must be wondering the streets in dark sunglasses... They'll win a good deal of their home game can't see them in the finals with a strong NZ group Bulls and Stormer s this season...
el gamba
Guest
OK - after the weekend we are on the board with one competition point (I think the ref got four?) so let me recalculate (I'll use my calculator this time, clearly my abacus stuffed up the last calc): 7 x 5 = 35 + 1 = 36 Can we still make it?
kynang
Roar Pro
It's begun! Now just 7 more wins and they'll be there!
mudskipper
Guest
sorry I'm laughing long-time... I respect the Sharks but 2010 is not their year....
Ben J
Guest
I applaud your positive thinking but the only consistent thing about the Sharks is their inability to close out tight games.
Working Class Rugger
Guest
el gamba :D And pigs may fly.
el gamba
Guest
8 x 5 = 45. The Force can do it to!!!
M1tch
Roar Guru
Sharks will be a tough team to win against, but they dont have it in the backs to make the finals
rem
Roar Rookie
They'll do well against the Highlanders but I have my doubts against the Reds and they still have the tournament favorites to come....long shot me thinks...
Chris McKay
Guest
No Chance. To make the top 4 you need to win just about every home game and sneak a few wins away. Sharks have dropped their opening two games at home and have not been able to close out a win on the road yet. I suspect they will get up this weekend but they still have plenty of tough games to play.
AndrewMc
Roar Rookie
When I saw the headline I thought the article was about Cronulla. So I was going to quote Rugby League Super Coach Jack Gibson. But I think the quote still stands in the current context: waiting for the sharks to win a trophy is like leaving the back porch light on for Harold Holt
kovana
Guest
I dont think so.. They have been playing some pretty negative rugby.. Slowing the ball down.. Havent seen them run with the ball that much except for kankwoski? They havent adapted well to the rule interpretations... But hey you could be right.. They might kick things into gear in the second half of the tournament.