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Captain Muller confident
29/01/2008 11:30 - (SA)
Durban - The Sharks have lost one Springbok captain but replaced him with another, and this can only bode well for the franchise in the future.
According to Michael Marnewick, writing on the Sharks website www.sharksrugby.co.za, although he has a relatively young international career with 22 Tests, Johann Muller was promoted to the leadership role in the Tri-Nations when he captained the Springboks against the All Blacks last year.
"It is every young boy's dream to play for the Boks, and to captain them is a totally different story," he admitted with pride. "It was a huge honour for me, a lot of responsibility, but I learnt a lot, and with the guys around me really supporting me, it was fantastic.
"I wouldn't say the pressure affects your game, but you need to be ready for it and know what you are doing. Obviously the more you do it the easier it becomes and if you have strong leaders around you, it makes the job so much easier. In my case I was lucky enough to have that; I am really blessed."
Not something new
"With the top players not going on the away leg of the Tri-Nations and Bob Skinstad injured against Australia, Jake said to me that I was going to captain the side," Johann explains. "It was a very exciting time for me as not a lot of guys can say they've captained their country in a Test."
Captaincy is not something new for the 28-year-old lock.
"I have been fortunate enough to be in this position a couple of times, but it is a really easy job when you have senior players around you and a strong leadership surrounding you - that's the hallmark of a good side."
Asked whether the pressure of captaincy takes its toll or if he enjoys the responsibilities that come with the job, Muller replied: "It's a bit of both. It's really exciting and when you do well, very enjoyable, but when you don't do well, obviously, the pressure mounts. But the guys around me will stick with me and I don't think there will be that pressure, they'll help me through the tough times."
Tough task
Regarding the Super 14, Muller admitted enthusiastically that he is, "really optimistic for the season ahead. With all the talent and the youngsters coming through, it's really exciting. Last year we came close, and we've spoken about it, we want to go one better this year, and that's winning it."
He explained though that a tough task lies ahead. "Last year we had a good draw but this year it is going to be much tougher. We have lost a few experienced players so all of a sudden the new guys have to step up, to fulfill a more senior role. There is a lot of hard work ahead until the competition starts, training-wise it is going to be tough, but if you want to win this competition you need to be super-fit and ready for anything the opposition throws at you."
He admitted losing senior, experienced players like John Smit, Butch James and Percy Montgomery did hurt, but that the Sharks have the depth to compensate for those losses.
"We lost not only great players but also great leaders," he explained, "but I truly believe in my heart that the guys stepping into their shoes are good enough, there isn't even a question about it.
"It will be a huge responsibility for them to make the step up to a senior player role, but fantastic to already see these guys standing up and being counted. Look at the last two Rugby World Cups: South Africa and England both won because they had really strong senior player bases and that's really important."
Honour
Muller admitted that it's not only an honour and a privilege to captain the Sharks, "but also a huge responsibility. It is obviously very exciting and something I am really looking forward to."
In the recent past, the Sharks have been known as a young side. This is still the case, but with a host of World Cup representatives in the side, this team does not lack experience.
"The team is maturing, but the pressure will always be there," said Muller. "If we want to do better than we did last year, we have to win this competition; second place isn't good enough anymore. So there is a lot of pressure, a lot of expectations from the players, as well as the media and supporters."
One factor not in their favour is a tough away draw that sees the Sharks playing the Crusaders, Highlanders, Hurricanes, Brumbies and Waratahs on the overseas leg.
Experienced leaders
There is always the fear that if there is a belief that the draw is too tough, it could prove to be a psychological barrier to success. Looking at it philosophically, Muller explained, "It doesn't matter where you play, who you play or where you play them, if you want to be the champions of this competition, you have to beat sides home and away. It's obvious that it isn't the best draw we've ever had, but we knew it would happen and can prepare ourselves accordingly."
"Together with surrounding yourself with the right mix of experienced leaders and exciting talent, it also comes down to the right coaching. Dick has done wonders with the side in the past few years and with the freedom that the guys have to play, it's something special that I don't think you get in too many other sides. So we are blessed to have Dick and John Plumtree coaching the side, it's fantastic.
"I'm optimistic for the season, I can't wait for it to start!"
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