u/crysptide

I heard a rumor from someone who matriculated with him that he is getting like R2m for his 2-year contract. I believe it is a record, if true. To me, he is the equivalent of a Frans Steyn – impacting matches straight out of high school. I can't think of many other 18-year olds being so dominant. So it is worth it to me, if true.

Any tips? I have never played ranked but understand Malians tech tree and want to main them. I like their bonuses and how they are adaptable in terms of comp.

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Are there a few good builds for feudal/castle that are good defaults, are there any civs that do particularly well vs Malians, like a hard counter at certain age or throughout? I like Arabia and Nomad.

This is my version of a RWC-type squad for the Sharks next season, pretending injuries don't exist:

Bold: core Springboks
*fringe Springboks
Italics: players aged 33 years+

>1 - Ox Nche
2 - Bongi Mbonambi
3 - Thomas du Toit (c)
4 - Eben Etzebeth
5 - Emile van Heerden
6 - Phepsi Buthelezi
7 - Vincent Tshituka*
8 - Manu Tshituka*
9 - Sanele Nohamba
10 - Zekhethelo Siyaya*
11 - Ethan Hooker
12 - Andre Esterhuzen (vc)
13 - Jurenzo Julius
14 - Edwill van der Merwe*
15 - Aphelele Fassi

>16 - Eduan Swart
17 - Trevor Nyakane
18 - Vincent Koch
19 - Jason Jenkins
20 - Matt Romao
21 - Jaden Hendrikse*
22 - Jordan Hendrikse*
23 - Jaco Williams*

>24 - Phatu Ganyane
25 - Hanro Jacobs
26 - Fez Mbatha
27 - Corne Rahl
28 - Jannes Potgieter
29 - Nick Hatton
30 - Ivan van Zyl
31 - Vusi Moyo
32 - Lili Bester
33 - Donavan Don

>Players on standby: Cameron Dawson, Kai Pratt*, Ethan Bester, Sipho Mnebelele, Deon Slabbert, Coetzee le Roux, Tino Mavesere, Ceano Everson, Bradley Davids, Tiaan Meyer, Siya Masuku, Gianni Lombard, Albie Bester, Murray Koster, Phiko Sobahle, Makazole Mapimpi, Yaw Penxe.

It's nice to see is that even the standby list is full of players who can perform a role. Some of them are on the way up, while others are on the way down, which to me is a healthy sign of youngsters replacing more established players. I am sure the Currie Cup will change the mix. The squad is young overall.

JP would probably have Jordan Hendrikse starting, but Sanele would kick conversions for me, if he signs. Without Sanele, it feels a bit shaky at 9. Albie Bester’s growth will be interesting because he is the only other specialist 12, but we have options. Jurenzo is dangerous there, while Ethan and Jordan can play there too. Ethan’s high-ball game is too good not to have on the wing, imo, and he is my 13 if Jurenzo doesn't play.

I think we have a great opportunity to field dynamic backline configurations. We should score more tries despite the wet ball at home, also with the first three domestic matches potentially being drier in Spring.

We could see a reordering of the hierarchy at hooker, if we are lucky.

There is still a Batho Hlekani-sized hole (massive). If Vincent T doesn't play we could be found wanting for size.

The Manie rumor could be big if true, and would complete the squad after this season. Aside from that, I think we could do with either a poaching 6 (Matt Romao could maybe become him), or a large number 7, like Vinny T, who is a lineout option (could come from within if we are lucky). JJ van der Mescht would be nice too, down the line, as an Eben replacement. We are pretty stacked elsewhere. But again, if we don't have get Nohamba, we could struggle for depth...as I am not convinced by Davids, and am not sure if Everson is the guy, but would be happy to be proven wrong.

What do you guys think of the status and mix of our squad? Who would you sign if you could sign reasonably attainable player?

We seem quite thin for the start of the next URC. Jurenzo, Albie Bester, Lili Bester and Marnus Potgieter. I am not confident in the latter 2. Jurenzo has also been niggly. Lili will have to improve quite a bit to be competent. I am happy for him to get game time, but to be honest my gut feeling is that he may not make the grade long term - but will be pleased if am wrong.

I know we may get JOC, but he is our option at 10/15 when Jordan and Fassi are with Boks.

What do you guys think re our centres?

With the rebrand, we are moving to a new kit sponsor. It is an upgrade.

I haven't seen the logo, but it is changing too. Probably less cartoonish I think.