Schalk warns 'frustrating' Sharks' grand designs mean little without clear playing identity

It's tempting to view the Sharks as South Africa's future answer to all-conquering Leinster, given their financial backing and legion of internationals, but legendary Springbok flanker and now astute observer Schalk Burger has warned it's going to take time for them to come even close to emulating their Irish counterparts.

In fact, the economic constraints on local franchises in terms of SA Rugby's salary cap regulations, as well as a hugely unfavourable exchange rate, provide enough doubts over whether such a comparison is realistically attainable. 

The Sharks' immediate priority, though, is salvaging a URC campaign that is now teetering on the brink of them potentially missing out on the play-offs, as well as a spot in next season's Champions Cup.

Much of that is down to the Jekyll & Hyde nature of the team's performances this season, where one week's sublimity with the Boks in harness is followed by an ineffectual, flat showing by the depth players the next.

And a lack of a clear playing brand isn't helping.

Added to this, Bok captain Siya Kolisi will leave Durban for Racing 92 and Thomas du Toit, a Shark Tank mainstay who began his tight head apprenticeship under former Springbok Tendai Mtawarira, for Bath after the World Cup.

READ | Sharks and Bulls' bottled rotation policies in Europe harmed their tapering-out seasons

"I guess the Sharks are a bit frustrating to watch because they have so many good players," Burger told a media roundtable event on Tuesday.

"The only way out when you watch them play is when they have their big-name Springboks present. They play with a national squad pack and it becomes a set-piece and kick battle, where they put you under pressure. 

"That's probably, currently, just a culture thing."

It's