Sharks lock Eben Etzebeth. (Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images)
One constant in sport? While strength on paper represents a formidable ally, it also stops short – and every now and then sensationally – of guaranteeing success.
It’s a key reason why Sharks devotees were shaking their heads despondently just a few weeks ago about the franchise’s tepidness (a polite description?) as challengers in this season’s United Rugby Championship.
Yes, there’s been some semblance of revival subsequently, although very much after the Lord Mayor’s Show as far as a coveted top-half finish is concerned: that goal has fluttered well out of the window.
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