04/05/2008 22:02

Liam Del Carme

Johannesburg - It may be an oversimplification but the inability to finish attacks, and the absence of a reliable goal kicker are probably the main reasons that the Sharks are not going to play at home in this year's Super 14 rugby final.

Last season, the Sharks finished at the top of the points table and played the Bulls in Durban. Now they are battling to qualify for the semi-finals.

Bonus-point victories against the Cheetahs this weekend and the Chiefs a week later may enable the Sharks to finish among the top four.

However, judged by their performances during the past few weeks, they need a drastic improvement to get there.

To earn bonus points, they have to score tries but their inability to do that has been one of their main weaknesses this year.

They scored 41 in the league phase last year but after 11 matches this season their total stands at only 20.

Another damning statistic is that only the Lions have scored fewer points in Super 14 matches than the Sharks this year. An average of only 17 points per match is simply not good enough.

One of the reasons is poor goal kicking. The Sharks have more recognised kickers than most other teams but they have converted only 65% of their shots at goal. Last season, with Percy Montgomery in the team, they averaged 85%.

Pressure at breakdown points

They cannot blame the experimental laws either, because they started the 2008 race with a series of victories.

One problem is that they do not apply pressure at breakdown points because they do not get as many players to rucks as their opponents do.

Their discipline has also not been impeccable. The Epi Taione head-butting incident cost them dearly. He was red-carded and the Sharks drew with the Hurricanes when two extra log points would have been invaluable.

To chase bonus points in their remaining matches, the Sharks will have to make drastic changes in their approach and execution.

They may also need changes in their starting lineup against the Cheetahs. If Bismarck du Plessis is fit, he should return at hooker in place of Craig Burden.

French international Frederic Michalak is still injured and with Ruan Pienaar not at his best, Francois Steyn could be considered for the flyhalf position. This will enable Brad Barritt to return at inside centre.