Schalk Burger and Jean de Villiers are broadly supportive of the Sharks pursuing an experienced fly-half — names like James O'Connor and Tommy Allan have been floated — but both are adamant that it addresses a symptom rather than the disease. The core argument: every fly-half who has played for the Sharks in recent seasons, regardless of individual ability, ends up playing the same way — deep, lateral, no continuity. That points to a structural and coaching problem, not a personnel one.
Burger uses the Lions as a counterpoint: Chris Smith isn't a dynamic playmaker, but he operates within a clear attacking identity, and the results speak for themselves — most tries and points in the URC. De Villiers echoes this, noting that the Sharks have rotated between Jean Smith, Siya Masuku, and Jordan Hendrikse without ever committing to one player or one system, making it impossible to build rhythm. A new attack coach in Scott Mathie arriving from Edinburgh is a detail the panel overlooked, but both agree the Sharks' performances this season have been unacceptable given the squad they have. Worth reading if you want a sharp breakdown of why Durban keeps underdelivering.