Whitehead hails attacking Sharks

Sharks centre Tim Whitehead says he is relishing the freedom given to attack with his new team in comparison to the style of play at his previous side, the Stormers.

The 23-year-old has been a regular fixture in his debut season, which has contrasted with his difficulties in breaking into the starting line-up in Cape Town.

He said that the move to Durban has refreshed him and added that he identifies with the attacking instincts in coach John Plumtree's team.

"A change was good for me coming from Cape Town because I felt like I needed a new beginning somewhere. In terms of the game plan, I think the Stormers play a bit more defensive than attack.

"And here I enjoy the way that the guys always attack. We're encouraged to have a go from everywhere as long as you back yourself and that's what we've been doing this year," he said.

The Sharks have had an inconsistent first half of the competition, which has been dogged by basic errors and consequently they sit seventh on the combined log - three points outside the play-off places.

After seeing off the in-form Highlanders this past weekend, they welcome the struggling Force to Durban this week but Whitehead is adamant that the Perth team will present a serious challenge at Kings Park.

"They may have been poor, but they're a good side. There are no easy games in this competition and every single team brings something different, so it's going to be tough. We'll have to work really hard to beat them," he said.

The visitors will be led by David Pocock, widely seen as one of the best openside flanks in the game and Whitehead conceded they will have to be at their best to nullify his threat.

"We've been working really hard on our breakdown and will have to be prepared for someone like Pocock, who is one of the best fetchers in the world," he said.

"It's going to be physical and we'll have to be prepared for that threat."

Sharks coach John Plumtree also hailed the impact that Whitehead has had since his arrival from Cape Town.

"I think Tim's been great. He's a player I targeted from a fair while ago. Now that he's here, he's doing really well.

"I think he's getting better and better each week and has got a desire to get better, which is important. He's very unpredictable on attack and defensively he's very sound. Hopefully he'll just grow in our environment and enjoy his rugby," added the Sharks boss.

Plumtree, for the first time this season, also confirmed a clean bill of health in the team.

"We have no-one injured and although we were a bit light in training as some players were being managed. We should have a full complement to choose from at the weekend," he said.

SAPA