The Sharks have pulled off a triple coup of sorts, with the acquisitions from Leolin Zas and Robert du Preez Junior from Western Province/Stormers and Makazole Mapimpi from the Cheetahs. All three signings are practically 100% done- just haven’t been officially confirmed by the Sharks. The three are in addition to lock Gideon Koegelenberg, whom the Sharks have acquired on a two year deal from Zebre.
Wing Mapimpi impressed during Super Rugby with the Kings in 2017- check out this video where he embarrassed Karmichael Hunt, and is currently playing for Free State/Cheetahs.
The Sharks are a bit short on pacy wings, with Sbu Nkosi and Kobus van Wyk the only real speedsters in the side. Odwa Ndungane and Lwazi Mvovo, the other wings, are the other side of 30, with Mvovo also looked upon as a full back option.
The signing of Robert du Preez junior sees the flyhalf re-unite with his father, who currently coaches the Sharks, and his brothers Jean-Luc and Daniel. Rob was originally on the books of the Sharks, but left for Cape Town when Tim Swiel appeared to leapfrog him in the pecking order. The signing of Rob might also confirm the departure of Patrick Lambie to French shores.
Zas is a good signing, can play wing and full back.
Mapimpi is electric, but defensively still a question mark.
So wing depth looks good, with Nkosi/Van Wyk/Mapimpi/Zas/Mvovo
Rob du Preez back is good, but puts his dad in a very interesting spot, because RdP Snr is also responsible for the development of Curwin Bosch, perhaps the country’s most talented young player in a long, long while.
Does he play his son at 10 and move Curwin to 15 where there will be more space? Or does he keep CB at 10 and ask his son to cover 10/12 from the bench?
Play his son at 10 and Move Bosch to 15.