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Michalak doubtful for Force clash
Tuesday 12th February 2008
http://www.planetrugby.com/Story/0,1...135083,00.html
French import Frederic Michalak is a doubtful starter for the Sharks' opening Super 14 match, against the Western Force on Friday.
John Plumtree, the Sharks' forwards coach, told rugby365 that Michalak's participation on Friday hangs in the balance - severely disrupting the Sharks' preparations.
"Fred [Michalak] hurt his calf muscle during training.
"A decision on his fitness will be taken later in the week," he said.
In the event of Michalak being ruled out, Plumtree hinted that the flyhalf berth could be filled by the multi-talented Frans Steyn.
"If Fred is unable to play, we will probably go for Frans at No.10.
"AD Jacobs is also more than capable of slotting in at flyhalf, so it all depends on what Dick [Muir, the Sharks head coach] wants," he said.
If Michalak is indeed ruled out, it will be a cruel blow to the former Toulouse player, who has looked sharp in pre-season training.
Steyn was set to don the No.15 jersey on Friday, having played at inside centre for the Springboks during their victorious World Cup campaign.
The last time he had the No.10 on his back was for the Sharks during last year's Super 14, but he is more than capable of doing a job for his team at flyhalf.
He enjoys the physical stuff, has a superb boot and his capable of creating space for the outside backs.
In other injury news, centre Waylon Murray has a hamstring strain, but did train with the team on Tuesday.
"Waylon has a slight hamstring strain but we expect him to be fit by Friday," said Plumtree.
Plumtree emphasised the importance of winning their home games if they are to challenge for their second consecutive semifinal berth.
"We have a tough draw this year [the Sharks cross the Tasman Sea twice during their five match tour of Australasia], so starting well on Friday is very important for us, as is every home game," he said.
The Sharks will be looking for the same consistency as they displayed last year, where they won their opening five home games, before the Brumbies ended their unbeaten run in Round Seven.
Asked whether the Sharks would specifically target any away games, Plumtree said: "No, we go into every match looking for a win.
"Just look what happened last year, we lost out against the Force and the Chiefs away from home - two games that people would have expected us to win - so targeting specific games can be detrimental to our campaign."
The Sharks are still waiting on their new Tongan signing, Epi Taione, to arrive in Durban.
Plumtree says that they are expecting him sometime in February, but wasn't sure of exactly when the big Tongan would touch down in South Africa.
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Was the wait worth it - Ya betta baby 
I was looking forward to Michalak melting down under the pressure.
and he could very well implode into nothingness!
Originally Posted by benny
