06/05/2008 22:02

Liam Del Carme

Johannesburg - Sharks captain Johann Muller's calf muscle injury has not responded well to treatment. The big Springbok is still uncertain about being fit to play in the crucial Super 14 rugby match against the Cheetahs on Saturday.

"I really don't know. It does not look good. We just hope it responds during the next two days," Muller said on Tuesday.

However, he was decidedly positive about the outcome of the match.

"It does not matter what the Cheetahs bring to Absa Stadium on Saturday. We know what we have to do," Muller said.

Some may not agree but Muller feels his team's inability to score enough tries can be rectified within a week.

"There are a number of things for us to work on. Our finishing has been letting us down but things should improve.

"We have created many try-scoring opportunities but failed to finish, often losing the ball in contact situations or not protecting our possession well enough.

"We should have been more patient on occasions. When you're in a good position you cannot afford to give up possession," Muller said.

Long flight back

Whether the 2007 runners-up are ready, physically and mentally, after winning only one of their five matches in Australasia and after the long flight back from Christchurch, remains to be seen.

But Muller is convinced there is new fervour in the squad.

"It may sound funny but the guys are more positive now. We know what we have to do. We have to score at least four tries. It's all about attacking."

Muller realises that derby matches of this nature do not always follow a prescribed text.

"The Cheetahs have played some good rugby. They were extremely unlucky at times. There were occasions, especially early on, when they could have won. But their defence has not been their best asset.

"We can still play in the semi-finals and we must try to seize this opportunity," the powerful lock forward added.

The Sharks still have some other worrying injury problems too. Hooker Bismarck du Plessis and centre Brad Barritt still have to prove their fitness.

"We hope Bismarck will be ready. He trained tonight (Tuesday) but he did not scrum and did not take part in contact sessions. But Brad trained and it seems he should be fit," the skipper said.

The Sharks will finalise their team on Thursday.