Andy Goode may continue playing for Sharks
Andy Goode
Andy Goode may yet play flyhalf for the Sharks in the weekend’s Super 14 match against the Reds.
The former England flyhalf was initially offered a contract for only for the Sharks’ overseas tour. It was initially unlikely he would fly back to South Africa with the team due to problems with his work permit.
However, the Sharks are apparently now set to extend his contract.
Sharks commercial manager Rudolf Straeuli on Monday confirmed Goode’s possible availability to Sport24, but did not want to say much more.
He said that a press release would be issued and questions would be answered at a press conference on Tuesday.
If Goode is unavailable, Ruan Pienaar will probably move from scrumhalf to flyhalf. Pienaar was the Sharks’ hero in Saturday’s victory over the Hurricanes in Wellington.
Pienaar was still in the dark about the move on Monday. Pienaar added that he didn’t believe it would be a problem should young fullback Pat Lambie be shifted to flyhalf.
“He did really well. He will become a good flyhalf and I’m sure he will be able to do a good job there,” said Pienaar.
Pienaar was humble about his winning kick in the dying seconds that handed the Sharks a 29-26 victory over the Hurricanes. Pienaar was also responsible for a winning touchline kick against the Crusaders in 2007.
Pienaar said the wind in the Westpac Stadium had made things difficult and his thought process was to aim for the right-hand post, try to stay calm and think back to previous successful kicks.
“It was great to finish the tour on a high.”
The win over the Hurricanes was the Sharks’ second in a row this season.
The Reds will be in a confident mood after beating the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein last Friday. It was the Reds’ first win in South Africa since 2006 and the last time they won three straight matches eight years ago.
Meanwhile, Springbok centre Adrian Jacobs will miss the rest of the Sharks’ Super 14 campaign with a dislocated shoulder.
[Story by Johann De Jager appeared on Sport24.co.za]
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