11/02/2008 22:48

John Bishop

Pietermaritzburg - It is not only Frédéric Michalak's English which has improved in the months he has been in Durban.

The Frenchman, who will play at flyhalf for the Sharks against the Western Force in the Super 14 opener at King's Park on Friday night, has also improved his fitness and strength.

When Michalak arrived in Durban he needed an interpreter at his first press conference. Now he conducts interviews with a degree of comfort and confidence.

"I have been here for a few months now, and am settling in and really enjoying it," the Frenchman told the Sharks website.

The players have been very welcoming and I think I am fitting in with the team and the culture here at the Sharks. It's exciting to be here, an adventure."

And, for the moment, he enjoys the luxury of moving unnoticed about Durban.

Muir said that Michalak had told him that joining the Sharks was a totally new experience, adding that the flyhalf had become far more physical and confident.

He did not want to put on bulk because he feared losing agility."

Explosive power

But, Muir said, Michalak has been impressed with the work he has done with strength conditioner Mark Steele, a programme which is based on explosive power rather than body-building type gym work.

For me, the preparations for the Super 14 have been as long and tough as for the Rugby World Cup," said Michalak.

Muir said it was important that the Sharks had a senior player with experience to take over from Bok flyhalf Butch James when he signed to play club rugby for Bath in England.

Michalak was publicly at odds with the conservative French playing style at the World Cup but sees the Super 14 as a major challenge.

"I think playing in the Super 14 where there is more running rugby is a great attraction for me. Nowhere in Europe can you play this kind of rugby and so I look forward to playing against some of the best players in the world.

"I came to the Sharks because I enjoy the challenges that rugby offers, and I expect nothing less than a huge challenge in the Super 14."

Muir will name his Sharks starting line-up on Tuesday and there are not expected to be any surprises.

He told the Witness on Monday that there were minor niggles among a number of players, including Michalak, Frans Steyn and JP Pietersen, but he expected them all to be fit and ready for Friday night.

His one concern remains wing Odwa Ndungane who may have to miss out this week after injuring a leg at practice.

Friday's match kicks off at 19:10.