Sharks head honcho Powell lays out job groundwork: The final team decision will lie with me

Sharks director of rugby Neil Powell has laid out the ground of his work, saying one of his competencies will be finalising team selection.

Powell, who was the long-time head coach of the men's national Sevens team before being unveiled as the Sharks' director of rugby in February, made his mark by selecting a strong side for Saturday's clash against Ulster at Kings Park.

Powell said he'll pick teams in consultation with United Rugby Championship coach Sean Everitt and will front up for media duties.

"It will always be in consultation with the coaches as they've worked with the players longer than I have," Powell said.

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"Between Sean and I, we'll select the team while consulting the other coaches, but the final decision will lie with me.

"I will handle most of the media obligations."

Powell, who has moved from a stable and winning culture at the Blitzboks to a constantly evolving and underachieving one at the Sharks, said he understood the task that lies ahead of him.

The Sharks, despite the wealth of talent, were quarterfinalists in last season's tournament and have started this season on a patchy, but winning note.

Powell said his job will also entail looking after the Sharks academy to ensure that they have development continuity.

"It’s all about building the brand and the team again," Powell said.

"We can only take a team out there and build a brand if the team is successful. The focus will be on getting success on the field.

"There are short and term goals in terms of looking after the academy and see how we can change things there and see how our juniors come through and make it all the way.

"The academy will definitely be one of